MLB

Why the Mets agreed to this sad Bobby Bonilla Day

While the entire country celebrates July 4 as Independence Day, Bobby Bonilla likely uncorks some champagne three days before, on July 1, when he annually receives $1,193,248.20 from the Mets.

Bonilla, out of baseball since 2001, began receiving those deferred salary payments in 2011 — and will get that amount every year until 2035.

Bonilla was owed $5.9 million by the Mets when the two sides agreed to a buyout after the 1999 season. Under the terms, payments were deferred at an 8 percent annual interest rate. Instead of paying him $5.9 million to play out his deal, they will end up paying him $29.8 million for not playing for them.

While of course this sounds bad, the Mets did benefit from getting rid of Bonilla at the time. The money freed up enabled the Mets to pay for the salaries of left-handed starting pitcher Mike Hampton and outfielder Derek Bell. The duo contributed to the team’s World Series run in 2000.

And when Hampton left for the Rockies, the Mets used their compensation pick to draft David Wright. Plus, they got rid of a headache in Bonilla.