On Monday, 61-year-old Bobby Bonilla will collect a check for $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets, as he has and will every July 1 from 2011 through 2035.
Deferred payments to former players are a prevalent practice in MLB, with notable names like MVPs and Cy Young winners also receiving annual paychecks long after their playing days.
Shohei Ohtani opted for deferred payments in his $700 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting to receive $68 million per year in 2034.
The Mets agreed to annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years to Bonilla in 2000, including 8% interest, due to a Bernie Madoff investment that ultimately failed.
Under new owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have embraced the annual celebration of Bobby Bonilla Day, highlighting the unique payment structure in baseball.
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