Whitson Is Guaranteed $2.7 Million Over 2 Years

Padre pitcher Ed Whitson is guaranteed to receive a minimum of $2.7 million over two years with his new contract, and possibly as much as $3.7 million over three years, according to sources close to the negotiations.

Whitson’s contract, which was agreed upon Friday afternoon, stipulates that he’ll be paid a $200,000 signing bonus, slightly more than $1 million in 1990 and about $1.2 million in 1991. The Padres have an option for a third year in 1992 that will pay him $1 million. If they do not pick up the option, they must pay Whitson a $250,000 buyout.

The third year of Whitson’s contract will become guaranteed, however, if in 1991, he makes 30 starts, pitches 200 innings or reaches 60 points on a system that provides two points for each start and one point for each relief appearance.

Whitson also has award bonuses in his contract that will pay him $50,000 if he wins the Cy Young Award, $35,000 if he finishes second and $25,000 if he finishes third. There also is a $25,000 bonus for being selected to the All-Star team.

The only Padre players under contract who’ll earn more than Whitson in 1990 are first baseman Jack Clark, pitcher Bruce Hurst and right fielder Tony Gwynn.

Whitson, 12-6 with a 2.62 earned-run average, was eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

“I’m totally satisfied with what I got,” he said. “Sure, we could have waited and probably gotten $600,000, $700,000, $800,000 more, but this is where I want to finish my career. I’d rather take less money and stay here, rather than take more money and go, Lord, who knows where.”