Padres prospect Cruz self-deports to Mexico after smuggling plea

San Diego Padres pitching prospect Humberto Cruz has self-deported to Mexico after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of receiving money to transport noncitizens within the United States. The 19-year-old, who signed with the Padres for $750,000 out of Monterrey in February 2024, admitted responding to an advertisement for drivers offering $1,000 per person despite knowing the passengers were in the country illegally. Cruz received a 30-day prison sentence with credit for time served after prosecutors dismissed a related felony charge in November.

Border agents stopped Cruz driving north on State Route 85 near Lukeville, Arizona, in late October while he rehabbed from Tommy John surgery performed the previous August. He had been at the team's spring training facility in the area. Agents grew suspicious after spotting him driving south an hour earlier, doubting he had time to reach the Lukeville Port of Entry to pick up the two passengers.

In 14 starts across rookie and A-ball, Cruz posted a 7.58 ERA. MLB.com ranks him as the Padres' No. 5 prospect, with three pitchers ahead of him. The club placed him on the restricted list in March.

The Padres informed the San Diego Union-Tribune that Cruz likely faces a 10-year work visa suspension but can reapply after five years with demonstrated good behavior. In a statement, Cruz expressed regret to teammates, the organization, fans and family for his lapse in judgment, vowing to earn back trust through future actions. The team did not immediately respond to a comment request.