Humberto Cruz, a top pitching prospect for the San Diego Padres, has left the United States after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge related to transporting undocumented immigrants. The 19-year-old, who is ranked fifth among Padres prospects by MLB.com, self-deported to Mexico following a plea agreement in November.
Cruz was arrested on October 28 in southern Arizona after Border Patrol agents spotted him driving a BMW with Mexican license plates near Lukeville. Initially seen alone, the vehicle was later stopped with multiple occupants. Agents identified Cruz as the driver, who had entered the US legally on a visa, while the two passengers were Mexican citizens who had crossed the border illegally, including one who had been deported days earlier.
According to a criminal complaint, Cruz told investigators he answered a social media ad looking for drivers “to pick up people for easy money” and admitted he knew the passengers “were illegal.” He stated he needed the extra money as he does not work in the late afternoons. He was initially charged with felony transportation of illegal aliens for profit and a misdemeanor count of accessory after the fact to improper entry.
Under the plea agreement, the felony charge was dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea to the lesser offense, with the understanding that deportation was “practically inevitable.” Cruz, who signed for $750,000 in 2024 out of Monterrey, Mexico, had already been expected to miss the 2026 season due to arm surgery in September.
In a statement, Cruz expressed regret for his actions, saying: “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.” He added that he is committed to reflecting on the moment and moving forward positively.
