Bobby Bonilla Day

In November 1998, the New York Mets traded Mel Rojas to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Bobby Bonilla. Bonilla was under contract for the 1999 and 2000 seasons for $5.9M a year. Bonilla struggled mightily in 1999 with the Mets batting just .160 (19/119) in 60 games so the Mets released him in January of 2000 despite still owing him $5.9M for the 2000 season. HOWEVER, instead of paying him the money then, they opted to defer payments until 2011. Bonilla's agent secured an 8% interest rate during the negotiations so now every year on July 1st starting in 2011 and running through 2035, the New York Mets cut Bobby Bo a check for $1.19M. Hence, Bobby Bonilla Day.

While it's somewhat comical that Bonilla - now 56 - is getting more money from the Mets this year than their slugging rookie first baseman Pete Alonso, it's easy to forget that once upon a time Bobby Bonilla was REALLY good. Bonilla was an All Star Six Times, won three Silver Sluggers, won a World Series title with the Marlins in 1997, led the NL in doubles in 1991 with 44, and finished second for the NL MVP race in 1990.

Here's to you Bobby Bonilla. Best Contract Ever.