Padres prospect Humberto Cruz self-deports after human smuggling plea: report
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A prime pitching prospect reportedly self-deported to his native nation of Mexico after pleading responsible to a misdemeanor associated to human smuggling in Arizona.
San Diego Padres pitching prospect Humberto Cruz pleaded responsible to a cost of receiving cash to move noncitizens throughout the United States.
According to TheAthleticCruz, within the nation legally with a piece visa, was driving a car that carried two immigrants within the nation illegally. Cruz, 19, was initially driving south on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Ariz., however was noticed driving north roughly an hour later with two different passengers. Agents had been suspicious that Cruz wouldn’t have had sufficient time to succeed in the Lukeville Port of Entry to choose up passengers.
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Humberto Cruz of the San Diego Padres poses for a photograph on the San Diego Padres Minor League Photo Day at Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona, on March 5, 2025. (Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)
The San Diego Padres informed the San Diego Tribune that Cruz would possible lose his work visa for 10 years, however can reapply after 5 years if he demonstrates good habits.
“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,” Cruz mentioned in a press release, by way of The Athletic.
“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’m dedicated to reflecting on this second, studying from it, and taking the suitable steps to maneuver ahead in a optimistic and accountable method. I’ll cooperate totally with the group and any steps required of me. … Thank you to everybody who has reached out with assist and honesty. I perceive that belief have to be earned, and I’m ready to do this via my actions going ahead.”
Fans arrive at the entrance gates of Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona, for the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training game against the San Diego Padres on Feb. 22, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
Cruz pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge in November in exchange for prosecutors dismissing a criminal charge of transportation of illegal aliens for profit. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison with credit for time served.
The plea deal, The Athletic said, stated Cruz understood his deportation would be “virtually inevitable and a digital certainty.”
The Padres placed Cruz, who they signed out of Monterrey, Mexico, for $750,000 in February 2024, on the restricted list in March.
Cruz underwent Tommy John surgery last August and had been rehabbing at the team’s spring training facility in Arizona in late October at the time of his arrest.
In 14 starts in both rookie and A-ball, Cruz pitched to a 7.58 ERA. MLB.com lists Cruz as the team’s fifth-best prospect — three of the four ahead of him are pitchers.
The San Diego Padres logo is displayed on the field at PETCO Park before a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 3, 2024, in San Diego, California. (Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
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The Padres did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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