Chipley's Whitson mulling future baseball options
CHIPLEY — This is not the typical summer vacation for Karsten Whitson.
Aside from the easy decisions of what to eat for lunch and what to do with his free time, the Chipley High School graduate is also handling the serious business of hashing out his baseball future. The powerful right-handed pitcher already has signed a letter of intent to attend and play baseball for the University of Florida, and was selected ninth by San Diego in June’s Major League Baseball Draft. He remains unsigned by the Padres, and negotiations on a contract are ongoing.
As of Thursday, only four of the Top 16 draft picks have signed. The highest-drafted signee was Christian Colon at No. 4 by Kansas City. He received a $2.75 million signing bonus, according to MLB.com.
Picks 13, 15 and 16 also have signed with respective clubs. Sixteenth pick Hayden Simpson signed with the Chicago Cubs for a little more than $1 million. No. 13 selection Chris Sale agreed to terms with the Chicago White Sox for $1.65 million.
That slots Whitson’s potential bonus between $1.65 and $2.75 million. It’s likely he’ll fall somewhere in the middle in the $2 million-plus range.
There’s little doubt Whitson will receive at least a seven-figure deal. If he signs, he will become the area’s second millionaire baseball player.
Mosley graduate Cody Johnson earned that first distinction in 2006, when Atlanta grabbed him in the first round at the 24th pick. The power-hitting outfielder was mum on his bonus when asked by The News Herald upon signing, but the figure has since been released at $1.4 million, according to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Daily. Johnson’s bonus was 22 percent of the total given out to all the Braves’ signees that year.
Drafted players have until Aug. 16 to sign. If Whitson doesn’t agrees to terms with the Padres, he can play for Florida. If he decides to attend college, he cannot be drafted again until after his junior season.
