Every July 1, fans celebrate Bobby Bonilla Day, but he is not the only former player still collecting checks from a team. Manny Ramirez continues to receive annual payments from the Boston Red Sox, a reminder of how deferred contracts can keep players earning long after they retire.
As Ramirez nears the end of his deal, his story stands alongside Bonilla’s as one of the most memorable examples of creative baseball contracts.
Manny Ramirez Is Still Cashing In From His Time in Boston
Before the 2001 season, Manny Ramirez agreed to an eight-year, $160 million contract with the Red Sox, which included $20 million club options for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
Although he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2008, Boston still owed him $32 million. The team and Ramirez agreed to defer his salary over 16 years. Since 2010, Ramirez has received a $2 million check every July 1, with one more payment due in 2026 to complete the agreement.
Boston fans likely do not mind these payments, considering Ramirez’s impact on the team’s success. He helped the Red Sox win two World Series titles during his time in Boston. In 2004, Ramirez was named World Series MVP as the Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals. He batted .412, hit one home run, drove in four runs, and scored twice in the series.
Although Ramirez did not have his best series in the 2007 World Series against the Colorado Rockies, the Red Sox still swept the Rockies to claim their second championship in four seasons.
Ramirez contributed throughout the playoffs, hitting home runs in both the American League Division Series and the American League Championship Series.
One of his most memorable moments came in Game 2 of the 2007 ALDS, when he hit a walk-off three-run home run against Francisco Rodriguez of the Los Angeles Angels, giving Boston a 2-0 lead in the series.
Ramirez was also known for his unique personality, often referred to as “Manny Being Manny.” From high-fiving fans in the stands to disappearing into the Green Monster during games, he created many unforgettable moments for Red Sox fans.
It seems fitting that he continues to receive payments from Boston, given his lasting impact on the team and its supporters.
Some fans might question whether Ramirez truly valued financial security, given his playful reputation on and off the field.
However, his decision to defer his salary provided him with a steady income well into his 50s, allowing him to enjoy retirement while still earning more than many current players. In fact, Ramirez is receiving the same annual payment as Shohei Ohtani this season.
The Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez $2M this year.
The Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani $2M this year. pic.twitter.com/rgGRK1txvG— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 1, 2025
Ohtani is following a similar path to Bonilla and Ramirez by deferring most of his contract. He signed a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, but is only earning $2 million per year during the contract.
Ohtani deferred $680 million, which will be paid out after the contract ends, saving the Dodgers money in the short term and providing him with long-term financial security. From 2034 to 2043, Ohtani will receive $68 million per year from Los Angeles.
Along with his off-field earnings, he will continue to accumulate significant income after his playing career, just as Ramirez and Bonilla have done.