The Los Angeles Dodgers have notably embraced the strategy of deferred contracts, currently holding $1.01 billion in agreements with eight players, highlighted by a staggering $680 million deal with Shohei Ohtani. Other players benefiting from this strategy include Blake Snell, Tommy Edman, and Tanner Scott, all signed last offseason. Deferred contracts allow teams to manage cash flow and luxury tax implications more effectively, as they are taxed at a discounted value.

Bobby Bonilla, famous for his deferred contract with the New York Mets, reflects on the financial wisdom of such arrangements, as he continues to receive annual payments exceeding $1 million, a strategy that has proved lucrative over the years. His comments illustrate the growing trend within MLB teams to utilize deferred payments to secure high-profile players while maintaining financial flexibility.