Padres top pitching prospect self-deports to Mexico after pleading guilty to human smuggling charge: report

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A top pitching prospect reportedly self-deported to his native country of Mexico after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor related to human smuggling in Arizona.

San Diego Padres pitching prospect Humberto Cruz pleaded guilty to a charge of receiving money to transport noncitizens within the United States.

According to The Athletic, Cruz, in the country legally with a work visa, was driving a vehicle that carried two immigrants in the country illegally. Cruz, 19, was initially driving south on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Ariz., but was spotted driving north roughly an hour later with two other passengers. Agents were suspicious that Cruz would not have had enough time to reach the Lukeville Port of Entry to pick up passengers.

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Humberto Cruz of the San Diego Padres poses for a photo at the San Diego Padres Minor League Photo Day at Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona, on March 5, 2025. (Matt Thomas/San Diego Padres/Getty Images)

The San Diego Padres told the San Diego Tribune that Cruz would likely lose his work visa for 10 years, but can reapply after 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 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," Cruz said in a statement, via The Athletic.

"I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those