A long-term deal gone wrong? Well, New York Mets’ current boss Steven Cohen would say so. Every year on July 1, a former baseman, Bobby Bonilla receives a cheque for $1,193,248.20 from the New York Mets and will continue to do so till 2035. The day is known as ‘Bobby Bonilla Day’.

Bonilla was a third baseman for the Mets from 1992 to 1994 and in 1999. He is 58 years old today and continues to have a payday on July 1. 

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Why do the New York Mets pay $1.19 million every year?

The story goes back to the start of the 21st century. Due to baseball’s paying structure, the Mets owed Bonilla $5.9 million in 2000 when they released him, ESPN reports. Instead of paying him right away, the Mets agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting 2011. This included an 8% interest. New York Mets’ then-owner Fred Wilpon thought he could make enough money by investing the $5.6 million. 

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Due to this arrangement, Bobby Bonilla’s annual payday is more than some of the current MLB players, ESPN reports. 

This year, Bobby Bonilla will be seen as a host to an Airbnb stay at Citi Field, New York City, the Mets announced. 

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“In the ultimate Mets overnight experience. Starting on July 8 at noon, Mets fans can request to book one night at Citi Field on July 28,” the team tweeted. 

This arrangement is not uncommon in Major League Baseball. According to ESPN, Bobby Bonilla also receives $500,000 from the Baltimore Orioles every year. Bret Saberhagen is engaged in a deal with the Mets, where he is paid $250,000 a year. Max Scherzer, Manny Ramírez, Ken Griffey Jr and Todd Helton are some others who have such