bonus baby

noun

1. an athlete who is paid a substantial bonus to sign their first professional contract.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonus baby¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

A can’t-miss prospect or bonus baby, Edman was not.

From Los Angeles Times

Aaron had been a bonus baby and an all-star — the seventh pick of the 2014 draft who was in the majors a little over a year after he was drafted.

From Washington Post

Cartaya signed for $2.5 million as a 16-year-old but Barbary noted that his spending habits weren’t like that of the typical bonus baby.

From Los Angeles Times

A bonus baby, Michael Stefanic is not.

From Los Angeles Times

Bet Mel Kiper missed this bonus baby on his big board.

From Seattle Times