'Shock': Promising prospect worth 1.1 billion won collapses, smuggled undocumented immigrants for just 1.5 million won → Faces deportation from U.S. "Needed money during rehabilitation"

*This content was translated by AI.

Humberto Cruz (20), a Mexican right-handed pitcher hailed as a 'key prospect' for the San Diego Padres, was arrested for transporting undocumented immigrants and now faces near-certain expulsion from the U.S. baseball scene.

According to multiple U.S. media outlets, including the San Diego Union-Tribune, reporting on the 9th (Korean time), Cruz was found guilty of transporting undocumented immigrants (aiding and abetting the transportation of undocumented aliens). Records obtained by local media from the U.S. District Court in Arizona indicate that as a result of this incident, Cruz's work visa has been revoked, and he faces severe penalties including a ban on entering the United States for a minimum of five years and a maximum of ten years.

The incident occurred on October 28, 2025, near the border in Lukeville, Arizona. At the time, Cruz, who was undergoing rehabilitation following Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction), was driving his 2020 BMW SUV and patrolling near the border when he became a target of the U.S. Border Patrol (CBP).

The Border Patrol, suspecting Cruz of making a quick southbound trip followed by a northbound return, conducted a vehicle inspection and discovered two Mexican nationals with insufficient documentation in the back seat. Further investigation revealed that one of the individuals had been forcibly deported from the United States just four days prior to the stop.

Cruz was read his Miranda rights at the scene and subsequently confessed to the crime. According to the indictment, Cruz admitted to joining the scheme after seeing an advertisement promising easy money for simply driving, stating he agreed to receive $1,000 (approximately 1.5 million won) per person. Regarding his motive, he reportedly stated, "I needed additional income during late afternoons when there were no practice sessions."

A top prospect from Monterrey, Mexico, Cruz signed with the San Diego Padres in February 2024 for a signing bonus of $750,000 (approximately 1.1 billion won). He was highly anticipated, ranking fifth among San Diego's prospects on the official MLB.com prospect page. However, due to this crime, his career is now in jeopardy at just 20 years old. His fastball averages in the mid-90s mph, and in the 2025 season, he recorded 35 strikeouts across 14 innings pitched (38 innings total) between the Minor League Rookie level and Single-A level.

The San Diego Padres placed Cruz on the 'Restricted List' in mid-March and have not issued any official statement to date. In an apology posted on his social media, Cruz stated, "My judgment was clouded, and I have disappointed many," adding, "I will take full responsibility and reflect on my actions."

Local immigration law experts predict that Cruz's return to the United States will be extremely difficult. Megan Hish, a former immigration judge, told the San Diego Union-Tribune, "The authority to revoke visas and issue deportation orders lies entirely with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). While he avoided a felony charge, crimes related to undocumented aliens are extremely detrimental to visa renewal."

Cruz is currently staying in Mexico. He may have the opportunity to reapply for a visa in five years based on a 'demonstrated good attitude,' but the actual approval remains uncertain.

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*This content was translated by AI.