Every year on July 1, New York Mets fans celebrate an unusual tradition — Bobby Bonilla Day. In 2025, just like every year from 2011 to 2035, the Mets will pay former MLB star Bobby Bonilla a whopping $1,193,248.20, despite the fact he hasn’t played for them since 1999.
Why Does Bobby Bonilla Still Get Paid by the Mets?
In 2000, the New York Mets agreed to buy out the final $5.9 million on Bonilla’s contract. Rather than paying him upfront, they struck a unique deferred-payment deal: Bonilla would begin receiving $1.19 million every July 1 for 25 years, starting in 2011. This agreement included 8% interest.
At the time, Mets ownership believed their investment with Bernie Madoff would generate large returns, offsetting the cost. Unfortunately, that gamble didn’t pay off — but Bonilla’s payday lives on.
What Is Bobby Bonilla Day?
Bobby Bonilla Day is a light-hearted celebration observed by Mets fans and baseball enthusiasts every July 1 to mark Bonilla’s payday. Under current team owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have embraced the occasion, with Cohen even suggesting a public celebration at Citi Field in Bonilla’s honor.
Bonilla Isn’t Alone: Other Notable MLB Deferred Contracts
While Bonilla’s deal is the most famous, other players also benefit from deferred MLB payments. Here are some examples:
- Bobby Bonilla (Again): A second deferred agreement with the Orioles and Mets pays him $500,000 annually for 25 years, starting in 2004.
- Bret Saberhagen: Receives $250,000 per year from the Mets from 2004 to 2028.
- Max Scherzer: Will be paid $105 million by the Nationals through 2028.
- Manny Ramirez: Set to collect $24.2 million from the Red Sox through 2026.
- Chris Davis: Collecting $59 million from the Orioles from 2023 to 2037. He received $9.16 million in 2024 and 2025, and will get $3.5 million annually from 2026–2032, followed by $1.4 million annually through 2037.
Shohei Ohtani’s Contract vs. Bobby Bonilla’s Deal
Shohei Ohtani’s historic $700 million deal with the Dodgers features $680 million in deferred payments. He will earn just $2 million annually from 2024–2033, and then $68 million per year from 2034–2043.
The key differences:
- Bonilla’s deal was a buyout arrangement for an aging veteran.
- Ohtani’s contract was structured by a superstar in his prime to help his team maintain salary cap flexibility and reduce competitive balance tax (CBT) impact.
MLB Stars Making Less Than Bobby Bonilla in 2025
Thanks to MLB’s pay structure, many talented young players earn less than Bonilla’s deferred paycheck. Here are some 2025 stars earning less than $1.19 million, ranked by Fangraphs WAR:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – $771,000 (3.9 WAR)
- James Wood – $764,600 (3.5 WAR)
- Paul Skenes – $875,000 (3.4 WAR)
- Riley Greene – $812,400 (3.0 WAR)
- Hunter Brown – $807,400 (3.0 WAR)
- Andy Pages – $770,000 (2.9 WAR)
- Jacob Wilson – $760,000 (2.8 WAR)
Final Thoughts on Bobby Bonilla Day
Bobby Bonilla Day has become a symbol of baseball’s quirky contract history. While his deferred-payday deal is often mocked, it was a smart financial move for Bonilla — and a lasting reminder of the Mets’ risky investment era. With deferred contracts becoming increasingly common, especially after Ohtani’s megadeal, Bonilla might not be alone in baseball’s payday lore for long.