With the 2010 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft behind us, it’s time to take a look at the top 10 picks that went unsigned.
There were some surprises, and others weren’t surprises at all as a few had medical reasons that kept respective teams from spending money or taking a risk on a certain player.
We all know about Bryce Harper, the Nationals’ first overall draft pick, signing a record deal, but who couldn’t get deals done with their draft picks?
Here are the top 10 picks that went unsigned after the deadline came to a close.
No. 10: Jesus Valdez, RHP, Hueneme HS
Drafted by: Anaheim Angels
It seemed as if the right-hander was expected to sign with the Angels, especially to the college he had committed to, the University of Arizona. Valdez ended up not signing and will be an incoming freshman with the Wildcats.
No. 9: Scott Frazier, RHP, Upland HS
Drafted by: Philadelphia Phillies
The 6’7″ right-hander was drafted in the fifth round by the Phillies and decided to attend Pepperdine University instead of signing with the team.
No. 8: James Paxton, LHP
Drafted by: Seattle Mariners
Paxton, a former left-hander with the University of Kentucky, was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays last season and because the Jays ended up negotiating with agent Scott Boras, he was ruled ineligible by the NCAA. Paxton ended up in Texas pitching for the Grand Prairie Air Hogs and was drafted again this year by the Detroit Tigers.
No. 7: Matthew Grimes, RHP, Mill Creek HS
Drafted by: Chicago White Sox
The young pitcher decided for the college experience instead of starting his big league career and will attend Georgia Tech in the fall.
No. 6: Andrew Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS
Drafted by: Washington Nationals
Cole could have become another pitcher on the big league fast track after impressing collegiate scouts during the FACA All-Star Classic back in May, clocking a fastball at over 95 MPH. Cole decided against the pros and will honor his commitment to the University of Miami.
No. 5: Austin Wood, RHP, St. Petersburg JC
Drafted by: Tampa Bay Rays
The right-hander did not sign with the Rays and instead will begin attending classes at USC in the fall.
No. 4: Ryne Stanek, RHP, Blue Valley HS
Drafted by: Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are on this list for the second time in three picks, losing out on yet another pitcher. This time, it was right-hander Ryne Stanek, who decided to attend the University of Arkansas instead of signing with the Mariners.
No. 3: Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS
Drafted by: Milwaukee Brewers
The young right-hander has apparently drawn comparisons to Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Chad Billingsley. Unfortunately, the Brewers won’t see that comparison come to pass as Covey decided to attend the University of San Diego instead of signing with Milwaukee.
No. 2: Barret Loux, RHP, Texas A&M
Drafted by: Arizona Diamondbacks
Loux’s story is quite a bit different from that of all the other unsigned draft picks in the 2010 draft. The right-hander out of Texas A&M failed his physical due to a labrum tear and elbow issues found during his physical. He will instead be granted free-agent status and can sign with any team as of September 1st.
No. 1: Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS
Drafted by: San Diego Padres
This baffled the Padres to the very end. General manager Jed Hoyer thought the two sides had a verbal agreement just after Whitson was drafted by the team. When it was over, Whitson wanted more money than the Padres were willing to give up, even going well over their allotted budget to try and get a deal done.
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