Jesús Montero, Ex-Yankees and Mariners Slugger, Dies in Venezuela at 35

Venezuelan former Major League Baseball player Jesús Montero, once a top prospect for the New York Yankees and later a designated hitter with the Seattle Mariners, has died at the age of 35 following complications from a motorcycle accident in his home country.

According to reports confirmed by local Venezuelan outlets and sports journalists, Montero passed away days after suffering severe injuries in a traffic accident that occurred in the state of Miranda. He had reportedly been receiving treatment in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries on Sunday.

Montero's sudden death has shocked fans across Latin America and the baseball community in the United States, where he once stood among the most promising young hitters in the league.

Born in Caracas in 1989, Jesús Montero signed with the Yankees at just 16 years old, earning a $1.6 million signing bonus and quickly rising through the ranks of the organization. He made his MLB debut in 2011 with the Yankees, delivering an impressive batting average of .328 with four home runs in just 61 at-bats, instantly drawing comparisons to other Venezuelan greats like Miguel Cabrera.

In 2012, Montero was traded to the Seattle Mariners in a high-profile deal for pitcher Michael Pineda. While expectations were high, his performance became inconsistent over the next few seasons. He faced multiple setbacks, including injuries, weight struggles, and a 2013 suspension related to MLB's Biogenesis scandal.

After his release from the Mariners in 2015, Montero had brief stints with other organizations including the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles, but he never returned to the major leagues. Still, he remained active in professional baseball, playing in the Venezuelan Winter League and attempting comebacks in Mexico and the minors.

Despite the ups and downs of his career, Montero remained a beloved figure in Venezuelan baseball. In recent years, he had embraced a mentoring role for young players in Caracas, often appearing at youth baseball events and supporting local athletic programs.

His death adds to a tragic list of Latin American baseball players whose lives have been cut short by traffic accidents. Fans and former teammates, including Robinson Canó and Félix Hernández, have shared condolences on social media, remembering Montero as a player with "immense talent and heart."

Montero leaves behind his wife and children, who were reportedly with him in Caracas at the time of his hospitalization.

A public vigil is being planned by his family in Caracas, with additional tributes expected in local stadiums where he once played. His former teams, including the Yankees and Mariners, have expressed their condolences and are expected to honor him in upcoming games.

The Venezuelan Baseball League (LVBP) is also preparing a tribute during its upcoming season.