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Jesús Montero, a former New York Yankees prospect who ended up playing primarily in the majors for the Seattle Mariners, has died. He was 35 years old.
The Yankees announced the death of the Venezuelan on social networks.
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New York Yankees catcher Jesus Montero (83) at bat during their spring training against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 5, 2011. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
“The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” the Yankees said.
Montero was involved in a motorcycle accident in Venezuela earlier this month, according to a GoFundMe set up to pay for his hospital bills, according to the New York Post. He was put into a coma and later died.
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Seattle Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero (63) watches his three-run home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the fourth inning at Safeco Field on September 16, 2015. (Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports)
Montero was ranked No. 3 in Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus’ top prospects prior to the 2011 season. He debuted for the Yankees’ Rookie League team when he was just 17 years old. He hit .280 with three home runs in 33 games.
He appeared in 18 games for the Yankees in 2011. He was traded to the Mariners in January 2012 in a deal that saw Michael Pineda and Jose Campos wear pinstripes.
Montero was with the Mariners from 2012 to 2015. In 208 games, the catcher and designated hitter hit .247 with a .668 OPS and 24 home runs.
New York Yankees catcher Jesus Montero (83) during spring training against the Washington Nationals at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 5, 2011. (Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports)
He was with the Toronto Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles after his time with the Mariners ended, but never saw time at the major league level for either team.
