Jesse Reed
It’s July 1, everyone, which means it’s Bobby Bonilla Day!
The last game Bobby Bonilla played for the New York Mets occurred way back in 1999, but every year since 2011 on July 1 he rakes in $1,193,248.20, and these payments won’t stop until 2035.
$9,545,986: What the Mets have paid so far for Bobby Bonilla’s 2000 season, including the $1,193,248.20 annual payment they give Bonilla today.
The last game Bonilla played for the Mets was October 19, 1999. pic.twitter.com/CNKCOhVWd2
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) July 1, 2018
The Mets owed Bonilla $5.9 million at the end of his tenure in New York. Rather than take that money, however, he negotiated a deferred-money deal that pays him nearly $1.2 million every July 1 until 2035.
It’s pretty remarkable. And what’s even more interesting is that Bonilla has, in recent years, earned more per season than some of New York’s best stars.
