• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 5, 2025

Bobby Bonilla On Annual $1.2M Payday: ‘It Doesn’t Suck’

Fifteen years into a deferral contract between the Mets and Bobby Bonilla, the influence of that agreement remains as strong as ever. 

Lou Capozzola-Imagn Images

One of baseball’s biggest unofficial holidays—Bobby Bonilla Day—has arrived again, and the 62-year-old former MLB star remains bemused by the attention his salary deferrals still receive and the significant influence they have on current player deals. 

As has been the case since 2011, Bonilla today will receive a $1.19 million annual payment from the Mets, a continuation of a deferral structure created in 2000, and lasting until 2035. Overall, the Mets deal, thanks to the deferrals and compounded interest, has turned an initial $5.9 million contract obligation to Bonilla into nearly $30 million for the six-time All-Star.

“It doesn’t suck. It doesn’t suck. … I just wanted to be able to spend as if I was an active player in retirement,” Bonilla said in a short film, The Big Deal, produced by the newly created Front Office Sports Studios. “People are fascinated by [the contract]. It’s a pretty cool thing. It’s probably bigger than my birthday. … I’d love for this to be an inspiration for people. That guaranteed income is everything.”

To that end, Bonilla is far from alone in former MLB stars getting deferral checks today. Among them:

  • Manny Ramirez will receive $2 million from the Red Sox as part of a 16-year, $32 million deferral pact running through 2026. 
  • Bret Saberhagen will receive $250,000 annually from the Mets in his deal running from 2004–28, with that pact helping inspire Bonilla’s agreement. 
  • Chris Davis will receive $9.16 million from the Orioles as part of $59 million in total deferrals running until 2037. 
  • Bonilla himself also has a second, separate deferral from the Orioles, worth $500,000 annually until 2028, with his agent, Dennis Gilbert, playing a key role in both agreements. 

“It’s a beautiful day!” Bonilla said of the day bearing his name. 

Some of these deferral payments are well in excess of the 2025 salaries of current MLB stars such as the Reds’ Elly De La Cruz ($770,000), Pirates’ Paul Skenes ($875,000), and Yankees’ Anthony Volpe ($879,000).

Modern-Day Moves

Extended deferrals, such as what Bonilla helped popularize, are also a fixture of current MLB contracts. The Dodgers, MLB’s top-spending club, by themselves have more than $1 billion in total deferral commitments. Superstar Shohei Ohtani, who in late 2023 deferred $680 million of his $700 million contract until 2034–43, is particularly notable here—not only because of the size of the future payments, but the fact he agreed to it in the prime of his career, as opposed to later on, as many such as Bonilla did. 

The Dodgers’ offseason activity to prepare for the 2025 season included $135 million worth of deferrals for free-agent acquisitions Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Tommy Edman, and a contract extension for Teoscar Hernández. 

Soon after those signings, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred reiterated that the Dodgers are compliant with the collective bargaining agreement, but added, “We listen to our fans on topics like this, and I have heard people on this. Believe me, I get a lot of emails about it.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.

ESPN’s Ben McDonald Stays on Padres-Cubs Call Despite NHL Flap

ESPN sticks with McDonald after his viral hockey “zero chance” jab.

Elimination Day: MLB’s Dramatic Wild-Card Tripleheader Hits ESPN

A day of drama ends with Red Sox–Yankees in prime time.

Cardinals Vow Changes Coming After Historic Attendance Drop

A stalwart franchise looks to correct an alarming slide in attendance.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 23: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe hits out of the rough on the first hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.
September 25, 2025

Ryder Cup in New York: Record-Setting Hopes and Fan Concerns

Organizers anticipate record attendance and revenue, but worry remains about fan behavior.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park.
October 3, 2025

NFL Wants to Play on a Record Fifth Continent

Asia is in the league’s sights after a 2026 game in Australia.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.
October 3, 2025

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
Grand Slam Track
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Investors Keep Grand Slam Track Alive With 8-Figure Lifeline

The league paid athletes half of what they’re owed Friday.
October 2, 2025

FIFA Won’t Move 2026 World Cup Matches Despite Trump Remarks

The organization’s VP pushes back on recent comments from Trump.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
October 2, 2025

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
Cathy Engelbert
October 1, 2025

WNBA Stars Ripped the Commissioner. Where Does the League Go From Here?

Engelbert is set to address the media at the Finals on Friday.