Padres hope Humberto Cruz fires himself after human trafficking plea: report

He reportedly self-deported to his home country of Mexico after pleading guilty to human trafficking charges in Arizona.

San Diego Padres pitching prospect Humberto Cruz has pleaded guilty to accepting money to transport non-citizens to the United States.

According to The Athletic, Cruz, who is legally in the country with a work visa, was driving a car carrying two illegal immigrants. Cruz, 19, was driving south on State Route 85 in Lukeville, Ariz., but was seen driving north about an hour later with two other passengers. Agents suspected that Cruz would not have had enough time to arrive at the Lukeville port of entry to pick up passengers.

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The San Diego Padres told the San Diego Tribune that Cruz may lose his work visa for 10 years, but can reapply after five years if he shows good behavior.

“To my teammates, the organization, our fans, and my family, I want to express my sincere regret for the recent failure of a decision that has caused disappointment to many people I deeply respect. I understand that my actions fell 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 behavior and I see the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support me. To my teammates and coaches, I apologize for being a distraction and not raising the standard you deserve. To the fans, I apologize for letting you down and failing to meet the trust placed in me.

“I am committed to reflecting on this time, learning from it, and taking the necessary steps to move forward in a positive and honest way. I will fully cooperate with the organization and whatever steps are required of me. … I am grateful to everyone who has reached out with support and honesty. I understand that trust must be earned, and I intend to do that with my actions going forward.”

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

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

Cruz pleaded guilty to misconduct in November so prosecutors could drop a charge of transporting illegal aliens for profit. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and credit for time served.

The settlement agreement, The Athletic said, said Cruz understood that his firing was “inevitable and inevitable.”

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

Cruz had Tommy John surgery last August and was rehabbing the team's training facility in Arizona in late October when he was arrested.

In 14 starts in both rookie and A-ball, Cruz has pitched to a 7.58 ERA. MLB.com ranks Cruz as the team's fifth-best prospect — three of the four ahead of him are pitchers.

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