• The New York Mets made their annual $1.19 million deferred salary payment to Bobby Bonilla on July 1st.
• The tradition, known as 'Bobby Bonilla Day,' has become a quirky holiday for baseball fans and is celebrated on social media.
• The Mets' offense is in a major slump, having scored only four runs in the three games leading up to their matchup with the Brewers.
• Despite a 48-37 record, the team's offensive struggles pose a threat to their postseason aspirations.

It's July 1st, and in Queens, that means one thing above all else: the New York Mets have once again made a millionaire out of Bobby Bonilla. While fans and social media celebrated the annual tradition of paying the retired star his famous deferred salary, the current Mets squad took the field against the Milwaukee Brewers desperately needing to cash in some runs of their own after a brutal offensive slump.

$1,193,248.20

The Richest Man at Citi Field Wasn't in Uniform

Every year, like clockwork, the Mets wire $1.19 million to Bobby Bonilla, a deal stemming from his contract buyout back in 2000. What was once a source of ridicule has morphed into a beloved, quirky holiday for baseball fans. This year was no different, with #BobbyBonillaDay trending online as the Mets' own social media channels leaned into the fun. While it's easy to joke, the practice of deferred money is more common than ever, with Shohei Ohtani's massive Dodgers deal being the modern gold standard. Still, it's a surreal annual reminder that on July 1st, one of the highest-paid Mets isn't even on the roster.

An Offense in Need of a Payday

While Bonilla's bank account got a boost, the Mets' offense entered Tuesday's game running on empty. The team had managed to plate a measly four runs over their last three games, a concerning trend for a club with a 48-37 record and serious postseason aspirations. Standing in their way was Brewers ace Freddy Peralta, who brought his sparkling 2.90 ERA to Citi Field. For the Mets to break out, they needed their big bats, Pete Alonso (.291 AVG, 20 HR) and Juan Soto (20 HR), to finally wake up and provide the firepower.

Holmes on the Mound, Hopes on the Bats

The man tasked with keeping the Brewers at bay was the reliable Clay Holmes. Sporting an 8-4 record and a 2.97 ERA, Holmes has been a steadying presence in the rotation all season. The matchup against an equally tough Brewers team (47-37) set the stage for a classic pitcher's duel, putting even more pressure on the scuffling Mets lineup. As the game got underway, the question for every fan was whether Holmes's strong pitching would be enough, or if the offense could finally provide the support he and the team desperately need.

Whether the Mets' offense woke up against the Brewers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: July has begun, the checks have been cut, and the pressure is on. This team has the talent, the pitching, and the payroll to make a deep run. Now, they just need to start scoring like a team that means business. Here's hoping the rest of the month is more about the runs on the scoreboard than the money leaving the bank account.