Montero, 35, was hit by a pickup truck in Venezuela on Oct. 4, prompting cardiac arrest at the hospital, officials said. He was resuscitated and placed in a medically induced coma and put on dialysis, Venezuelan outlet El Nacional reported.
The orthopedic damage was profound as well: six broken ribs, fractures to his femur, tibia and fibula plus, hip and knee injuries.
“The Yankees are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jesús Montero,” the team said in a statement. “We send our sincerest condolences to his family & loved ones.”
But Cashman traded him to the Seattle Mariners after the season.
“He may very well be the best player I’ve traded,” the executive said at the time, per the New York Post. “He’s that good.”
However, Montero’s potential fell short in a brief career marred by two drug suspensions, weight problems, a meniscus injury and defensive shortcomings at catcher that led him to play as a designated hitter and first baseman.
“Venezuelan baseball sadly bids farewell to Jesús Montero … leaving behind a legacy of effort and passion for the game,” the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League said in a statement.
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