San Diego Padres pitching prospect Humberto Cruz has self-deported to Mexico after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge for human smuggling. The 19-year-old, who was legally in the U.S. on a work visa, admitted to responding to an ad to pick up people for 'easy money' and transporting two undocumented immigrants in Arizona.
FBI agents arrested Cruz in October after he drove from the border with two passengers. He told officials he was offered $1,000 per person. In exchange for prosecutors dropping a felony, Cruz pleaded guilty in November, receiving a 30-day sentence with credit for time served.
The Padres placed Cruz on the restricted list in March. He is expected to lose his work visa for 10 years. Cruz signed with the organization for $750,000 in 2024 and was ranked fifth among Padres prospects by MLB.com, despite a 7.58 ERA in 14 rookie and A-ball starts.
In a statement, Cruz expressed 'sincere regret' and apologized to the team and fans, saying he is committed to learning from his 'lapse in judgment.'