Bobby Bonilla Day resonates with baseball fans, particularly those of the New York Mets, as it marks a day where the franchise pays a retired player over a million dollars annually until 2035. This repartee extends beyond Bonilla, as numerous current players are also set to receive deferred payments worth millions. Among them is Shohei Ohtani, who will cash in a staggering $680 million, showcasing the trend of deferred contracts in Major League Baseball.

Rafael Devers, now a San Francisco Giant, will start receiving payments from 2034 until 2043, while Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are also primed for significant payouts post-retirement. The Los Angeles Dodgers are known for their deferred payments to former players, creating a culture where such contracts are commonplace. The Mets' Francisco Lindor and Edwin Diaz will also see deferred payments, solidifying the notion that deferred money is a lucrative part of MLB contracts.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are currently benefiting from the impressive performance of utility player Hyeseong Kim, who boasts a .383 batting average along with two home runs and 12 RBIs in just 81 at-bats. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts acknowledges Kim's contributions and is considering giving him more consistent playing time to maintain his momentum. With the potential shift of Tommy Edman to the outfield due to his recent recovery from injury, Kim could transition to his natural position at second base, enhancing the Dodgers' lineup further.

Edman's move would allow Kim to solidify his role and showcase his elite defensive skills, enhanced by his history of winning four Gold Glove awards in the Korean Baseball Organization. As the Dodgers navigate their roster dynamics, Kim’s continued success could prove pivotal in their quest for the postseason.

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.

Brendan Donovan, second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, is currently ranked fifth in the National League All-Star voting for his position. He has seen a drop from fourth place, now trailing behind the Chicago Cubs' Nico Hoerner and the New York Mets' Jeff McNeil. Despite a strong season with a .308 batting average and .806 OPS, Donovan sits over 500,000 votes behind second place, held by his former teammate Tommy Edman. The Los Angeles Dodgers lead the voting, with significant representation across multiple positions.

Donovan's numbers are impressive, especially when compared to Edman's, who despite hitting more home runs and RBIs, has a lower batting average and OPS. The Cardinals also have other players like Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado in the running, but they are far behind in votes. While Donovan may not secure a starter position through fan voting, his performance could still earn him a reserve spot on the National League roster.