Padres' No. 5 prospect Humberto Cruz self-deported to Mexico after being convicted of transporting undocumented immigrants. The 19-year-old was a promising pitching talent in the Padres' farm system.
The Padres' farm system took a marked step backwards on Saturday as Humberto Cruz self-deported to Mexico after being found guilty of one misdemeanor count of accessory after the fact to improper entry.
Cruz, 19, was one of San Diego's finest pitching talents. He placed fifth on MLB Pipeline's prospect rankings for youngsters in the Padres system.
Cruz was arrested in Arizona on Oct. 28. He was able to avoid prison time by accepting the plea, although he doesn't figure to have any chance at being introduced to U.S. audiences any time soon.
With that, here's what you need to know about Cruz's arrest and sudden deportation to Mexico.
In November, Cruz pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge related to a human smuggling operation in southern Arizona, according to The Athletic. reported that Cruz's charge was related to accepting money in exchange for helping transport undocumented immigrants through the country.
Q&A
What charges led to Humberto Cruz's self-deportation?
Humberto Cruz was found guilty of one misdemeanor count of accessory after the fact to improper entry.
How did Humberto Cruz rank among Padres prospects?
Humberto Cruz was ranked as the No. 5 prospect in the Padres' farm system according to MLB Pipeline.
What impact does Cruz's self-deportation have on the Padres?
Cruz's self-deportation is seen as a setback for the Padres' farm system, which loses a promising pitching talent.
How old is Humberto Cruz?
Humberto Cruz is 19 years old.
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Border Patrol arrested Cruz near Lukeville, Ariz. on Oct. 28. Agents claimed that Cruz, driving a brown 2020 BMW SUV with Mexican license plates, was accompanied by two undocumented persons who he didn't appear to have in the car one hour earlier.
The passengers were Mexican citizens who order the country illegally. Cruz entered the U.S. through a legally-obtained visa, according to a complaint they obtained.
After waiving his Miranda rights, according to the complaint, Cruz told agents that he had responded to an ad seeking drivers to "pickup people for easy money."
According to the complaint, Cruz said he was paid $1,000 for each person he transported. An unknown contact would drop pins to indicate where Cruz should pick up people.
When Cruz was arrested, he said he was on his was to Tucson then Phoenix. The complaint claims Cruz knew his passengers were "illegal."
Cruz was placed on San Diego's restricted list on March 13. He remains on it as of May 8. As such, his salary was suspended and he was barred from using team facilities.
“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.
Cruz was charged with one felony count of transportation of illegal aliens for profit and one misdemeanor county of accessory after the fact to improper entry," Cruz said in a statement released through San Diego. "I understand that my actions have fallen short of the standards expected of me as a professional and as a representative of this organization. I take responsibility for my conduct and recognize the impact it has had on my teammates, the club, and those who support us.
“I am committed to reflecting on this moment, learning from it, and taking the appropriate steps to move forward in a positive and responsible manner."
The felony charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if he was convicted. By agreeing to a plea, Cruz has the felony count expunged.
As laid out in Cruz's plea deal, conviction effectively guaranteed that Cruz would be deported. He was unable to access most of his rights of appeal or seek modification for the sentence. His decision to self-deport would appear to start the timeline for Cruz's potential return to the United States.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune The Friars understand that Cruz's conviction and deportation will result in a revocation of his work visa for 10 years. The teenager could see that timeline shorten if he reapplies after five years of good behavior
How old is Humberto Cruz?
Cruz is 19 years old. The fifth-ranked prospect in the Padres' farm system, he was considered by some scouts to be a mid-rotation-level talent.
