Humberto Cruz, a 19-year-old pitching prospect for the San Diego Padres, has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of receiving money to transport noncitizen immigrants within the United States. According to the San Diego Tribune, Cruz, who is not a U.S. citizen, acknowledged in a plea agreement that he would likely face deportation. The Padres confirmed that Cruz would likely lose his work visa for 10 years, although he could reapply after five years if he shows good behavior. Cruz had been rehabbing at the team's spring training facility in Arizona after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August when he was arrested near a border town. In November, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge as part of a plea deal that saw felony charges dismissed. He was sentenced to 30 days in prison, with credit for time served. The Padres placed him on the restricted list in March and have not commented further on the situation. Cruz was signed by the Padres from Monterrey, Mexico, for $750,000 in February 2024.