One of the San Diego Padres’ most promising prospects has self-deported to Mexico after pleading guilty to a federal charge involving a human smuggling operation.
Humberto Cruz, a 19-year-old right-hander, entered the plea in November following a an investigation by federal authorities in southern Arizona.
The teenager was a marquee international signing for the Padres, who secured his services in February 2024 with a significant $750,000 signing bonus.
Court documents, seen by The Athletic, reveal that Cruz was apprehended by Border Patrol agents in October while driving a BMW SUV with Mexican plates.
Agents became suspicious after spotting the vehicle traveling north on State Route 85 near Lukeville, just an hour after it had been seen heading south toward the border.
When authorities stopped the vehicle, they discovered two Mexican citizens inside who had entered the United States illegally, according to federal prosecutors.
Humberto Cruz, a 19-year-old right-hander, entered the plea in November following a an investigation by federal authorities in southern Arizona
Cruz reportedly told investigators he had responded to a social media advertisement offering ‘easy money’ for drivers willing to transport individuals across state lines.
The pitching prospect admitted he was offered $1,000 per person and was using ‘pin drops’ sent to his phone to navigate to specific pickup locations.
Initially facing a felony charge of transportation of illegal aliens for profit, Cruz reached a deal with prosecutors to plead guilty to a lesser misdemeanor.
Under the terms of the agreement, the government dismissed the felony count – which carried a 10-year maximum sentence – in exchange for a 30-day jail term.
Cruz was warned that the conviction made his removal from the United States a ‘virtual certainty,’ leading to his eventual decision to self-deport to Monterrey.
In a statement released through the Padres, the pitcher expressed ‘sincere regret’ for what he described as a ‘recent lapse in judgment’ that let down his fans.
‘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.
In a statement released through the Padres, the pitcher expressed ‘sincere regret’ for what he described as a ‘recent lapse in judgment’ that let down his fans.
‘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.
The Padres organization has largely declined to comment on the legal proceedings, though the club confirmed Cruz remains on the minor-league restricted list.
While on the restricted list, the athlete is barred from using team facilities and his salary is suspended, effectively halting his professional progression in the U.S.
