Recent Kailua High graduate Joey Cantillo does not turn 18 until Dec. 18, but has already begun his journey in professional baseball.

Cantillo, ScoringLive's Player of the Year, signed with the San Diego Padres for $302,500, according to Major League Baseball's Draft Tracker.  The 16th-round pick signed for what amounts to as fifth-round money. Each draft pick has a pre-slotted recommended signing bonus.

Cantillo, who is in Arizona preparing for the rookie league, said via phone that he is working out and does not expect to pitch for a few weeks.

He spent three days in San Diego and watched a Padres-Braves game Tuesday at Petco Park before arriving in Arizona, where he signed his contract, he said.

He said it was a tough decision to forgo his scholarship at the University of Kentucky, but added it was a good opporunity to get a start on his pro career.  His bonus also includes money for four years of college when his pro career ends, he said.

Cantillo said during the draft the Padres called his adviser - now his agent - to see if he would sign for a certain amount. He said he would and was shortly picked by the Padres. It is common for MLB teams to make such arrangements during the draft.

Earlier, Hilo High graduate Joey Jarneski, a right-handed pitcher, picked in the 12th round by Texas, signed for $105,000. King Kekaulike graduate Ryley Widell, drafted in the seventh round by Minnesota, signed for $400,000.  His draft slot was pegged at $220,700. Widell, a left-handed pitcher, signed out of Central Arizona JC and had signed a letter of intent to play at North Carolina.

Iolani graduate Tanner Nishioka, picked in the ninth round by Boston out of Ponoma-Pitzer, signed for $5,000.  Although his slot was valued at $138,600, college seniors generally do not receive the slotted amount. But $5,000 is on the higher end for college seniors.

As an example, Hawaii Pacific pitcher Matthew Gunter (33rd round by Toronto) signed for $1,000, as did Hawaii infielder Josh Rojas (26th round by Houston).  Hawaii pitcher Casey Ryan (18th round by Chicago Cubs) got $3,000.

All signing bonuses were listed on the MLB Draft Tracker.