Padres Prospect Humberto Cruz Pleads Guilty in Smuggling Case, Self-Deports to Mexico

A top pitching prospect for the San Diego Padres self-deported to Mexico after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to human smuggling in Arizona.

Humberto Cruz admitted to receiving money to transport noncitizens within the United States. The 19-year-old, who was in the country legally on a work visa, drove a vehicle carrying two immigrants in the country illegally. He was first seen driving south on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Arizona, then spotted heading north about an hour later with two other passengers. Agents doubted he had enough time to reach the Lukeville Port of Entry to pick them up.

Cruz responded to an advertisement seeking drivers "to pick up people for easy money," officials said. He was offered $1,000 per person, knowing "they were illegal."

In November, Cruz pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor in exchange for prosecutors dropping a felony charge of transportation of illegal aliens for profit. He received a 30-day prison sentence with credit for time served. The plea deal noted his deportation would be "practically inevitable and a virtual certainty."

The Padres told the San Diego Tribune that Cruz would likely lose his work visa for 10 years but could reapply after five years with good behavior. The team signed him out of Monterrey, Mexico, for $750,000 in February 2024 and placed him on the restricted list in March.

Cruz underwent Tommy John surgery last August. He was rehabbing at the team's spring training facility in Arizona when arrested in late October. In 14 starts between rookie and A-ball, he posted a 7.58 ERA. MLB.com ranks him as the Padres' fifth-best prospect, with three pitchers ahead of him.

In a statement, Cruz said, "To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for a recent lapse in judgment that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect. I understand that my actions have fallen short of the standards expected of me as a professional and as a representative of this organization."

"I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support us. To my teammates and coaches, I apologize for becoming a distraction and for not upholding the level of professionalism you deserve. To the fans, I am sorry for letting you down and for failing to meet the trust placed in me."

"I am committed to reflecting on this moment, learning from it, and taking the appropriate steps to move forward in a positive and responsible manner. I will cooperate fully with the organization and any steps required of me. … Thank you to everyone who has reached out with support and honesty. I understand that trust must be earned, and I am prepared to do that through my actions going forward."