Houston Astros Prospect Ronny Garcia Dead at 24 Following Traffic Accident in the Dominican Republic

Originally from Samaná, DR, Garcia pitched in the Astros' farm system for six seasons

Former Houston Astros prospect Ronny Garcia died in a traffic accident. He was 24.

The Astros shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, April 20, confirming the pitcher's death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Astros prospect Ronny Garcia," the team wrote alongside a photo of Garcia smiling for the camera while wearing an orange Astros jersey. "Our condolences go out to his family and friends."

According to Dominican Republic-based journalist Héctor Gómez, the pitcher died in a traffic accident in the DR. His father, who was with him at the time, also died, Gómez reported.

Per Yahoo Sports, Garcia and his father were involved in a two-motorcycle accident on the Las Galeras-Samaná highway in Samaná, his hometown.

Garcia was previously a relief pitcher in the Houston Astros' farm system, playing for minor league teams over six seasons including the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and the Asheville Tourists, both based in North Carolina. According to Yahoo Sports, he joined the Astros organization in 2016 as a 16-year-old international signing, and also pitched in the Florida Complex League.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ronny Garcia. Ronny spent parts of three seasons with Fayetteville, always carrying a smile around the ballpark," the Class-A Astros affiliate team wrote in a statement on X. "He was a talented pitcher and a beloved teammate. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Per the Minor League Baseball website, Garcia won nine games and lost 15 across six seasons in the minor leagues.

According to local ABC affiliate station WHTM in Philadelphia, Garcia signed with the York Revolution in February. The pitcher was set to play with the Atlantic League team ahead of the 2024 season.

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"He'll be a young bullpen arm for us," Revolution manager Rick Forney said of Garcia at the time. "I'm excited about him. He has really good career numbers. He’s an intriguing young pitcher. I'm hoping I can get him to be more than just a one-inning guy, maybe a bridge-type guy in the sixth or seventh inning. I'm excited to get my eyes on him."

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