Padres prospect Humberto Cruz self-deports after human smuggling plea: report

A leading candidate has reportedly been deported to his native Mexico after pleading guilty to a human trafficking-related misdemeanor in Arizona.

San Diego Padres shortstop Humberto Cruz pleaded guilty to charges of accepting money to transport non-U.S. citizens.

Accordingly AthleticCruz, with a legal work visa in the country, was illegally driving a vehicle carrying two immigrants in the country. Cruz, 19, was initially heading southbound on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Ariz., but was spotted heading north about an hour later with two other passengers. Agents suspected that Cruz would not have enough time to reach the Lukeville Port of Entry to pick up passengers.

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San Diego Padres said: San Diego Tribune He said Cruz will likely lose his 10-year work visa, but can reapply in five years if he demonstrates good behavior.

“To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for the recent error in judgment that has disappointed many people for whom I have deep respect. I understand that my actions fell short of the standards expected of me as a professional and a representative of this organization,” Cruz said in a statement, via The Athletic. he said.

“I take responsibility for my actions and am aware of the impact it has had on my teammates, the club and those who support us. I apologize to my teammates and coaches for being distracted and failing to maintain the level of professionalism you deserve. To the fans, I am sorry that I have let you down and failed to live up to the trust placed in me.

“I am committed to reflecting on this moment, learning from it, and taking appropriate steps to move forward in a positive and responsible manner. I will fully cooperate with the organization and any action 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 so through my actions moving forward.”

Fans arrive at the gates of the Peoria Sports Complex for the Los Angeles Dodgers spring training game against the San Diego Padres on February 22, 2026 in Peoria, Arizona. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

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The shooter admitted to authorities that he responded to an ad for drivers to “pick up people to make easy money” and was offered $1,000 each, knowing “they were illegal,” The Athletic reported.

Cruz pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charge in November in exchange for prosecutors dismissing a charge of transporting illegal aliens for profit. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail with credit for time served.

The Athletic noted that in the plea agreement, Cruz understood that his deportation would be “almost inevitable and almost certain.”

The Padres placed Cruz, who they signed from Monterrey, Mexico, for $750,000 in February 2024, on the restricted list in March.

Cruz had Tommy John surgery last August and was 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 He lists Cruz as the team’s fifth-best prospect; Three of the four men in front of him are shooters.

San Diego Padres logo at St. Louis on April 3, 2024 in San Diego, California. It is on display at PETCO Park before the game against the St. Louis Cardinals. (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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