San Diego surprised by failure to sign Chipley's Whitson

CHIPLEY — Karsten Whitson’s decision not to sign with the San Diego Padres produced surprise from the team’s front office on Tuesday.

The hard-throwing right-hander from Chipley High School and the Padres were unable to come to terms on a deal before the 11 p.m. CDT deadline on Monday. Whitson said he planned to play for the University of Florida and was expected to attend freshmen orientation on Tuesday.

San Diego General Manager Jed Hoyer told MLB.com that he expected to reach an agreement with Whitson. He said he didn’t “know what changed” in the process that halted a deal, especially after Whitson indicated he wanted to be swift in signing after being chosen ninth overall in June’s Major League Baseball Draft.

“There is a sense of frustration. We were really surprised,” Hoyer told MLB.com. “All conversations indicated this would be a quick sign. But I feel great about the way we handled this.

“I think we expected all along to reach an agreement. In the end, we were fairly far apart.”

Whitson’s father, Kent, echoed that sentiment late Monday, saying the terms “were not even close.” The Whitson family declined to elaborate on how far apart the two parties were, but Hoyer gave a glimpse into what the Padres were offering.

MLB recommendations slotted Whitson’s signing bonus between $1.9 and $2 million. Hoyer said the final offer was closer to what No. 8 pick Delino DeShields signed for with Houston at $2.15 million. Hoyer told MLB.com that the final offer may have been a little higher, but he wasn’t specific.

A glance at other prospects’ signing bonuses showed the Padres weren’t afraid to open the wallet on Monday. Sixth-round pick John Barbato signed for $1.5 million and third-round choice Zach Cates signed for $765,000, which was the highest bonus for any pick in that round this year.

The Padres will receive a compensatory pick following the 10th selection next year for not signing Whitson.

If Whitson stays at Florida he won’t be eligible to be drafted again until after his junior season. If he ever transfers to a junior college he will be in the draft pool following his first season.

Attempts to contact Whitson by phone on Tuesday were unsuccessful.