Jesús Montero, former Yankees and Mariners catcher, dies at 35 in tragic accident

Jesús Montero dies: The tragic news comes after a car accident in Montero’s native Venezuela, as reported by local media. Jesús Montero dies (New York Yankees/X) Jesús Montero, a former Major League Baseball (MLB) catcher known for his offensive prowess, has died at the age of 35, the New York Yankees confirmed Sunday. The tragic news comes after a car accident in Montero’s native Venezuela, as reported by local media. Jesús Montero’s Baseball Journey Jesús Montero emerged as one of baseball’s most promising talents in the late 2000s and early 2010s, praised for his exceptional offensive abilities. Baseball America consistently ranked him among the top six prospects in the sport from 2010 to 2012. Montero made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees in 2011, where he showcased his potential in limited action. Over 18 games and 61 at-bats, he posted an impressive .328/.406/.590 batting line, which hinted at the offensive firepower he can bring to the majors. Trade to Seattle and MLB Tenure In a significant trade that reshaped his career, Montero was sent to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitcher Michael Pineda and others in a mammoth four-player deal. During his time with the Mariners, Montero played in 226 games and accumulated nearly 800 plate appearances. He posted a .247/.285/.383 batting line, with 24 home runs and 92 RBIs, resulting in an 88 OPS+. While his performance has shown flashes of brilliance, Montero has faced challenges. His final MLB appearance came in October 2015. MLB mourns the loss of Montero Post-MLB career and continued play. He later joined the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system in 2017, though he did not reach the major leagues again. Montero remained active in professional baseball, competing in the Venezuelan Winter League through the 2020–21 season, where he continued to be a respected figure in his home country. A lasting legacy in baseball Jesus Montero’s untimely death at 35 is a great loss to the baseball world. Once heralded as a future star, his career illustrated the challenges and triumphs of professional athletics. The Yankees, Mariners and fans worldwide honor Montero’s contributions to the sport and his dedication to baseball.