Jesús Montero, the Venezuelan‐born catcher and first baseman who once ranked among baseball’s top prospects, has tragically passed away at the age of **35.
Early promise and MLB career
* Montero signed with the New York Yankees in 2006 for about US$1.6 million at age 16, and quickly rose through their farm system as a feared power hitter
* He made his Major League debut in September 2011, batting .328 with a .406 on‐base percentage and .590 slugging in limited action — earning high hopes.
* In late 2011, he was traded to the Seattle Mariners (alongside pitcher Héctor Noesí) in exchange for Michael Pineda, in a move that the Yankees’ GM at the time described as: *“He may very well be the best player I’ve traded.”* ([New York Post
* Over his MLB career (2011–2015), Montero appeared in 226 games, compiled a batting average of .253, hit 28 home runs and drove in 104 runs. (
* His tenure, however, did not fulfil the immense early expectations. Injuries, defensive concerns, weight issues and a 50‐game suspension related to the Biogenesis scandal all impacted his career trajectory.
* After his big-league days ended in 2015, Montero had minor‐league stints and played winter ball in Venezuela up through the 2020-21 season.
The accident and passing
* On October 4, 2025, Montero was involved in a motorcycle crash in his native Venezuela, near the city of Valencia, reportedly colliding with a pickup truck.
* He sustained severe injuries — multiple broken ribs, lung puncture, internal organ damage, knee and hip fractures, and was placed into an induced coma.
* Despite medical efforts, Montero succumbed to his injuries on **October 19, 2025**.
Legacy and remembrance
* Montero’s passing has deeply saddened the baseball community, particularly in Venezuela, where his rise from Guacara to the Major Leagues inspired many. ([ESPN.com][5])
* While his career may not have reached the heights once predicted, his talent, power bat, and early flash remain memorable.
* His story also underscores the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of athletic promise.
My condolences go out to Montero’s family, friends and all who admired his journey in baseball.
