Do The Orioles Still Pay Bobby Bonilla? The Surprising Answer

It’s true! The Baltimore Orioles still make annual payments to Bobby Bonilla. It’s not a traditional salary, though. In 2000, the Orioles and Bonilla agreed to a deferred compensation plan, meaning he’d receive payments later instead of at the time of his contract. This was advantageous for the Orioles, as it allowed them to free up money in their budget at the time.

The deal with Bonilla was structured with a second deferred payment agreement that extends into the future. The Orioles still owe him $500,000 per year from 2004 to 2028. This unique arrangement ensures Bonilla receives a steady stream of income for years after his playing career ended. While it might seem odd for a team to keep paying a player who’s long retired, it’s a testament to the creativity and foresight of both Bonilla and the Orioles when negotiating their initial agreement.