Why does Bobby Bonilla still get paid by Mets? Net worth and significance of Bobby Bonilla Day explained

Bobby Bonilla, 62, is a renowned former baseball third baseman and outfielder who gained fame while playing in Major League Baseball.

According to a Celebrity Net Worth report, updated last month, he has an impressive fortune worth $20 million. However, he just earned $1.4 million from the New York Mets on July 1, 2025, further raising his net worth.

In 2000, the Mets released the baseball player, and during that time, the team owed him $5.9 million from his actual contract, which was supposed to be paid the following year.

As a result, they agreed to defer the remaining amount with an 8% annual interest contract. Since 2011, he has been receiving $1,193,248.20 every July 1, according to an ESPN report.

Everything to know about the New York Mets paying Bobby Bonilla annually

July 1 is not just another day for baseball fanatics. Recognized as Bobby Bonilla Day, the first day of July celebrates the legendary athlete and his unusual contract of receiving a hefty amount from the New York Mets. It is one of a kind deal seen in the history of the sport.

Bobby joined the New York Mets in 1991, agreeing to a $29 million contract for five years, per Celebrity Net Worth. Though he played in the Major League Baseball between 1986 and 2001, he still gets credited for his contributions to the team decades ago.

Due to the smart agreement and deferred deal between the player and the baseball team back in 2000, he continues to earn a cheque even today. Reportedly, the Mets are officially obliged to pay him over a million dollars every July 1 till 2035.

At that time, the New York Mets owner, Fred Wilpon, had invested heavily with Bernie Madoff, instead of paying the owed amount to Bonilla, according to People Magazine.

He believed that this financial settlement might help the team earn over 8% interest they had promised Bonilla. As a result, till 2035, when he turns 72, he will receive a paycheck from his former baseball team every Bobby Bonilla Day, leading to an overall payment of $29.8 million.

Celebrity Net Worth cited Bonilla's conversation with NPR Planet Money, where he revealed that he gets a paper check every July. Afterwards, he heads to his bank to deposit it.

In a conversation with the New York Post last year, Bobby Bonilla reflected on the agreement with the Mets, saying,

"It's kind of become like my birthday so to speak, right? It's become that big."

During the phone call interview, he further continued,

"I don't think people know the exact date of my birthday, but they certainly know when this deferred comp comes in, so it's pretty cool in that respect."

He also disclosed that his former team's owner had "reached out personally," however,

"nothing has materialized yet."

A look at Bobby Bonilla's net worth

Ahead of Bobby Bonilla Day 2025, his revenue was $20 million. In 1986, Bobby made his Major League Baseball debut with the Chicago White Sox.

During his professional baseball career, spanning around 15 years, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1986 to 1991. During his tenure, he contributed to winning three National League East titles. For the Pittsburgh Pirates, he was recognized as an MLB All-Star in 1988, 1989, 1990, and 1991.

Later, he was traded to the New York Mets, where he played in two stints, the first from 1992 to 1995 and the next one started in 1995. He won the MLB All-Star for the Mets in 1992 and 1993.

Bobby Bonilla was also traded to the Baltimore Orioles from 1995 to 1996. In 1997, he joined the Florida Marlins and won a World Series that year, too. Next year, he played for the Los Angeles Dodgers briefly. Over the next years, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves.

Celebrity Net Worth confirmed that the athlete amassed an overall salary of $52 million from these teams, with his New York Mets contract making him one of the world's highest-paid athletes.

PLANSPONSOR reported the baseball player's conversation with TIAA and Nuveen, where he highlighted the security and certainty of the deal with the New York Mets. Calling the yearly payment a "guaranteed income," he described it as,

"Every July 1st, that check hits. It’s peace of mind knowing that no matter what, that’s locked in. July 1st is guaranteed income, steady, simple, and secure. Doesn’t suck."

The outlet also confirmed TIAA's head of retirement investing, Brendan McCarthy, opening up about Bonilla's annual deferred-money deal.

Brendan explained:

"What Bobby Bonilla secured through an iconic contract, we’re now working to make available to everyday Americans through their workplace retirement plans."

He further added:

"The demand for predictable, guaranteed income that can’t be outlived is universal."

Bonilla might have retired years ago, but he is still recognized and best known for his yearly deal with the NY Mets.

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