Bobby Bonilla Day: Why the New York Mets Pay Him $1.19M Every July 1
Every July 1, the New York Mets pay former player Bobby Bonilla $1.19 million, a quirky tradition known as "Bobby Bonilla Day." This unusual arrangement stems from a deferred contract deal made in 2000, which has turned into a long-lasting financial commitment for the Mets. Despite Bonilla retiring decades ago, this payday continues annually until 2035, often exceeding the salaries of some current MLB stars.
What is Bobby Bonilla Day?
July 1 marks a unique celebration in Major League Baseball known as Bobby Bonilla Day. On this day, the New York Mets send a payment of $1,193,248.20 to Bobby Bonilla, a player who last suited up for the team in 1999. This annual payment is the result of a deferred contract agreement negotiated in 2000, designed to delay paying Bonilla the $5.9 million he was owed for the 2000 season
The Story Behind the Deferred Contract
In 1999, Bonilla's performance had declined, and the Mets wanted to release him rather than pay his remaining salary outright. Instead of paying $5.9 million immediately, the Mets agreed to defer the payment for 25 years, starting in 2011, with an 8% interest rate. This means Bonilla receives $1.19 million every July 1 through 2035, totaling nearly $30 million—far more than the original amount owed
How This Deal Impacted the Mets’ Roster
Interestingly, this contract deferral allowed the Mets to free up payroll space in 2000. They used the saved money to acquire pitcher Mike Hampton, who played a key role in the Mets’ run to the World Series that year. This strategic move shows how the deferred payment deal indirectly helped the team improve its roster in the short term
Bobby Bonilla’s Career Highlights
Bonilla was a solid MLB player, known for his switch-hitting ability. Over his career, he amassed 2,010 hits and 287 home runs, earning six All-Star selections and winning a World Series with the Florida Marlins. During his five seasons with the Mets, he hit .270 with 95 home runs — respectable numbers that made him a fan favorite despite the contract saga
How Bonilla's payment compares to 2025 MLB salaries
Because baseball's salary structure has young players start their careers by earning just over half of Bonilla's annual $1.19 million, the following players will be making less than Bonilla this season (listed in order of 2025 Fangraphs WAR entering Monday's games):
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)
Why Deferred Payments Are Common in MLB
The Mets are not alone in using deferred contracts. Many teams employ this strategy to manage payroll and cash flow, sometimes resulting in players receiving payments long after retirement. For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers have deferred large sums for stars like Shohei Ohtani, who will start receiving $68 million per year beginning in 2034
Conclusion
Bobby Bonilla Day has become a quirky yet fascinating part of MLB lore, symbolizing how creative contract negotiations can have long-lasting effects. While Bonilla enjoys his annual payday, Mets fans reflect on a deal that shaped their team’s history in unexpected ways. For more intriguing stories and trending news like this, visit followintrend and stay ahead of the game!
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