bonus baby
Overpaid young recruit
A bonus baby is a young athlete, especially in baseball, who signs a professional contract for a large signing bonus straight out of high school or college.
The term dates from the mid-20th century when teams began competing for talented prospects with substantial upfront payments: The team's new bonus baby struck out in his first at-bat.
By extension, any young person hired at premium compensation.
Remarkably talented youngster
- phenomExceptional talent, informally
- wunderkindRemarkably talented youngster
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
up-and-comer · protégé · savant · ingenue · rising star · standout · blue-chip · franchise player
Athlete chosen by team
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- athleteSports competitor
- scoutingObserving to gather information
- salary capMaximum team player spending
agent · major league · minor league · entry-level · contract · negotiation · terms · compensation
Recent arrival somewhere
- freshmanFirst-year student
- neophyteInexperienced beginner
- noviceInexperienced newcomer to field
- greenhornInexperienced, gullible newcomer
apprentice · trainee · recruit · entrant · beginner · fledgling · first-year · call-up
Unanticipated lucky gain
- payoutMoney distributed to recipient
- investmentDeploying capital for returns
- guaranteed moneyPayment promised regardless of outcome
- financial securityReliable access to funds
nest egg · endorsement · payday · jackpot · fortune
whiz-kid
Remarkably talented youngster
- phenomExceptional talent, informally
- wunderkindRemarkably talented youngster
- prodigyGifted youth with rare talent
virtuoso · up-and-comer · protégé · savant · ingenue · rising star · standout · blue-chip · franchise player
draft pick
Athlete chosen by team
- prospectPotential client or opportunity
- athleteSports competitor
- scoutingObserving to gather information
salary cap · agent · major league · minor league · entry-level · contract · negotiation · terms · compensation · renewal
newcomer
Recent arrival somewhere
greenhorn · apprentice · trainee · recruit · entrant · beginner · fledgling · first-year · call-up · debut
windfall
Unanticipated lucky gain
- payoutMoney distributed to recipient
- investmentDeploying capital for returns
- guaranteed moneyPayment promised regardless of outcome
financial security · nest egg · endorsement · payday · jackpot · fortune
bonus babyveteran
Experienced former soldier
journeyman · seasoned pro · old-timer · retread · elder statesman