Yordano Ventura had close to $20 million left on his contract with the Kansas City Royals before his tragic death on Sunday, and the destination of that money will be determined by the result of his toxicology report, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
The full amount of the money would go to Ventura’s estate if his death is ruled accidental. But the case will be treated differently if the toxicology report — which should be completed in three weeks — finds that Ventura was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
However, guaranteed contracts include exceptions that relate to player conduct, and Ventura’s deal includes a provision that will nullify payment for failure to perform due to injury or death resulting from driving a motorized vehicle while intoxicated, sources said.
No alcohol was found at the scene of the accident, but that of course does not necessarily mean Ventura had not been drinking.
Earlier Monday, TMZ reported that Ventura was speeding and not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident. However, it’s not mentioned in Rosenthal’s report if reckless driving counts under the exceptions relating to player conduct.
This is a cold way to view such a situation, especially so soon after the death occurred. But the terms are part of the contract.
According to Rosenthal’s sources, the Royals are discussing Ventura’s contract with the MLB and could still pay a portion of the money to the pitcher’s estate.
Rosenthal also explained why this situation is financially different from that of late Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident in September.
The financial legacy of Ventura is different than that of late Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident last September and — unlike Ventura — was unsigned beyond 2016.
A toxicology report determined that Fernandez was legally drunk and had cocaine in his system at the time of the crash. But it is not clear that Fernandez was driving the boat, and his estate is still in line to receive a $1.05 million accidental-death payment and $450,000 in life insurance through a player’s standard benefits package, sources said.
Ventura’s estate could be eligible for the same payouts. He was the driver of his vehicle, according to reports, but it is not known whether the results of his toxicology report would affect the amount his estate received.
