Jesus Montero dies at 35: Sports world remembers former Yankees, Mariners catcher

Daniel Mader

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Jesus Montero dies at 35: Sports world remembers former Yankees, Mariners catcher image

Former MLB catcher Jesus Montero has died at age 35, the New York Yankees announced Sunday.

Venezuelan news outlets reported earlier in October that Montero was involved in a motorcycle accident, per The Daily Mail. Montero, who was from Venezuela, then died Sunday due to complications from his injuries. 

A catcher in MLB from 2011-15, also appearing in the minor leagues and other professional leagues, Montero came up in the Yankees organization before spending four years in a Seattle Mariners uniform.

Here's what to know about Montero's death.

Jesus Montero dies at 35

The Yankees announced in a statement on Sunday that Montero died at age 35. 

"The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero," the statement read. "We send our sincerest condolences to his family & loved ones."

According to The Seattle Times, Montero was admitted into a Venezuelan hospital on Oct. 4 following a "serious motorcycle accident." News outlets in the country reported that Montero had been hit by a pickup truck, and he was then in "serious" condition in a hospital near the city of Valencia. Montero was in an induced coma following the accident, according to the New York Post.

Montero had two children with Venezuelan model Taneth Giménez, a daughter, Loren Alejandra, and a son, Jesús Alejandro.

Outside of his MLB career, Montero played in the Mexican League in 2017 and in the Mexican Baseball League from 2018-21.

Jesus Montero Yankees, Mariners career

Montero came up in the Yankees organization as one of the team's top prospects. When he signed with New York as an amateur free agent in 2006, he received a $1.6 million signing bonus, considered one of the top amateur players available.

Montero made his pro debut for the Yankees' Rookie-level Gulf Coast League affiliate at age 17 in 2007. He quickly rose through the minor leagues as a power-hitting catcher, emerging as a centerpiece of the future for the Yankees. Montero made two appearances in the All-Star Futures Game.

After becoming the Yankees' top prospect by various outlets in 2010, Montero made his MLB debut in September 2011. However, the following offseason, New York traded him to Seattle.

Montero played for the Mariners from 2012-15. In the 2013 season, he accepted a 50-game suspension for his involvement in MLB's Biogenesis scandal. 

In 2016, Montero spent time in the Toronto Blue Jays organization, and in 2017, he also spent time in the Baltimore Orioles organization before signing in the Mexican League. Montero finished his MLB career with 204 hits, including 28 home runs, over 226 games.

Sports world reacts to Jesus Montero's death

Here are some social media posts shared honoring Montero following his death.

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