Why The Mets Chose To Pay Bonilla 5X More Than He Was Owed

In 2000, the Mets decided to buy out the remaining $5.9 million on Bonilla’s contract. However, instead of paying him that amount up front, the team agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting July 1, 2011, including a negotiated 8% interest.

That doesn’t make sense when you just compare the numbers. However, the Mets thought they would make back that money, and more, over time thanks to none other than… Bernie Madoff.