Padres' Humberto Cruz self-deports after pleading guilty to human smuggling charge
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Humberto Cruz, a top pitching prospect for the San Diego Padres, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for transporting undocumented immigrants and has self-deported to Mexico.
- Cruz, ranked as the Padres’ fifth-best prospect, was arrested in October near the Arizona border and admitted to receiving $1,000 per person transported.
- He faces a 10-year ban on his work visa but may reapply after five years of good behavior, and was sentenced to 30 days in prison with credit for time served.
- Cruz issued a public apology expressing regret for his actions, acknowledging the impact on his teammates, the organization, fans, and family, and committed to personal growth and accountability.
- The Padres signed Cruz in 2024 with a $750,000 bonus, and he had been rehabbing from Tommy John surgery at the time of his arrest.
