Mookie Betts signing a long-term extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers was inevitable, but the terms of his new deal are pretty incredible.
The former American League MVP won't receive all of the money from his 12-year, $365 million deal until he's 52-years-old in 2044, according to contract details obtained by The Associated Press (h/t ESPN).
Betts has a $65 million signing bonus that is guaranteed against work stoppages and shortened seasons -- likely made part of the deal due to the coronavirus pandemic -- and the Dodgers don't have to start paying it for more than a year.
The right fielder's deal also includes $115 million in deferred payments, though if he's traded those would be eliminated and the money would be due in each season the contract covers.
Betts will receive his signing bonus in annual installments on Nov. 1 from 2021-35 -- $5 million each of the first 12 years, $2 million apiece in 2033 and 2034 and a final payment of $1 million. The 27-year-old isn't a California resident, so the money is not subject to the state's 12.3% income tax.
He'll receive salaries of $17.5 million each in 2021 and 2022, $20 million in 2023, $25 million in each of the next four seasons, $30 million annually from 2028-30 and $27.5 million in each of the last two seasons.
His deal is the second largest in baseball history behind the $426.5 million deal Mike Trout signed through the 2030 season.
The Boston Red Sox sent Betts and pitcher David Price to the Dodgers in February in exchange for Alex Verdugo, Jeters Downs and Connor Wong.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!