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With the offseason starting in full-swing today, a new clock is set on the Red Sox payroll. The team was one of just two to exceed the luxury tax threshold in 2018 (along with the Nationals) and were the only team to go at least $40 million over that threshold. That means their top draft slot will fall ten spots in next summers amateur draft. Given the results of the season, I’d say it’s worth it.
Anyway, they have some money coming off the books for now, and while it’s nearly impossible to see them getting below the luxury tax they could stay below the highest threshold. In order to track this all year, I have a table below that I stole from our friends over at True Blue LA. First, a few notes on the table. Arbitration numbers are coming from MLB Trade Rumors’ projected arbitration figures. They’ve proven to be the best in the business at this, so this gives the most accurate reflection of these salaries. Additionally, pre-arbitration salaries are currently set for last year’s salaries. I will update both arbitration and pre-arbitration salaries when those figures are released. All told, I have the Red Sox having about $28 million to play with in order to stay under the highest threshold.
Red Sox Payroll Tracker
| Pos | Player | Service | Options Remaining | 2019 Salary | 2019 CBT | Free Agent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pos | Player | Service | Options Remaining | 2019 Salary | 2019 CBT | Free Agent | Notes |
| RHP | Matt Barnes | 3.110 | 2 | $1,600,000 | $1,600,000 | After 2021 | |
| LF | Andrew Benintendi | 2.062 | 3 | $717,500 | $717,500 | After 2022 | |
| RF | Mookie Betts | 4.070 | 2 | $20,000,000 | $20,000,000 | After 2020 | |
| SS | Xander Bogaerts | 5.042 | n/a | $12,000,000 | $12,000,000 | After 2019 | Signed 6/$120M extension starting in 2020 |
| CF | Jackie Bradley Jr. | 4.150 | 1 | $8,550,000 | $8,550,000 | After 2020 | |
| RHP | Ryan Brasier | 1.126 | 1 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2022 | |
| RHP | Colten Brewer | 0.064 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| 3B | Michael Chavis | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| 1B | Joey Curletta | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| 3B | Rafael Devers | 1.070 | 3 | $614,500 | $614,500 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Nathan Eovaldi | 7.013 | n/a | $16,875,000 | $16,875,000 | After 2022 | |
| RHP | Heath Hembree | 3.106 | 0 | $1,312,500 | $1,312,500 | After 2021 | |
| LHP | Darwinzon Hernandez | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| 2B | Marco Hernandez | 2.105 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2022 | |
| UT | Brock Holt | 5.052 | n/a | $3,575,000 | $3,575,000 | After 2019 | |
| LHP | Brian Johnson | 1.043 | 0 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Travis Lakins | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| C | Sandy León | 4.419 | 0 | $2,475,000 | $2,475,000 | After 2020 | |
| UT | Tzu-Wei Lin | 0.135 | 1 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| OF/DH | J.D. Martinez | 7.036 | n/a | $23,750,000 | $21,990,000 | After 2022 | Opt-out after 2019, 2020 and 2021 |
| 1B | Mitch Moreland | 8.067 | n/a | $6,500,000 | $6,500,000 | After 2019 | |
| IF | Eduardo Núñez | 7.090 | n/a | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 | After 2019 | |
| 1B | Steve Pearce | 9.116 | n/a | $6,250,000 | $6,250,000 | After 2019 | |
| 2B | Dustin Pedroia | 12.041 | n/a | $15,000,000 | $14,166,666 | After 2021 | |
| RHP | Rick Porcello | 9.170 | n/a | $21,150,000 | $20,625,000 | After 2019 | |
| LHP | Bobby Poyner | 0.077 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| LHP | David Price | 9.164 | n/a | $31,000,000 | $31,000,000 | After 2022 | |
| RHP | Denyi Reyes | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| LHP | Eduardo Rodriguez | 3.130 | 2 | $4,300,000 | $4,300,000 | After 2021 | |
| LHP | Chris Sale | 8.061 | n/a | $15,000,000 | $15,000,000 | After 2019 | Signed 5/$145M extension starting in 2020 |
| RHP | Chandler Shepherd | 0.000 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Josh A. Smith | 1.087 | 1 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| LHP | Josh Taylor | 0.000 | 3 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2024 | |
| RHP | Tyler Thornburg | 5.057 | n/a | $1,750,000 | $1,750,000 | After 2019 | |
| 1B/LF | Sam Travis | 0.119 | 1 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| C | Christian Vazquez | 4.031 | 0 | $2,850,000 | $4,516,666 | After 2022 | Team option after 2021 |
| RHP | Hector Velazquez | 1.048 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Ryan Weber | 1.063 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Marcus Walden | 0.025 | 2 | $555,000 | $555,000 | After 2023 | |
| RHP | Brandon Workman | 4.051 | 1 | $1,150,000 | $1,150,000 | After 2020 | |
| RHP | Steven Wright | 4.087 | 0 | $1,375,000 | $1,375,000 | After 2020 | |
| 3B | Pablo Sandoval | 10.042 | n/a | $18,455,000 | $18,455,000 | ||
| RHP | Erasmo Ramírez | 5.158 | n/a | $175,000 | $175,000 | ||
| Player Benefits | $14,500,000 | ||||||
| Total | $231,414,500 | $244,462,832 |
If you notice any errors on this at any time, please let me know in the comments. This page will be pinned below the main cover all year.
November 16, 2018: Steve Pearce signs one-year, $6.25 million deal
The Red Sox made their first move of the 2018-2019 offseason on November 16, bringing back World Series MVP Steve Pearce on a one-year deal.
November 20, 2018: William Cuevas released
William Cuevas was released off the 40-man roster to take a contract to play for KT Wiz of the KBO.
November 20, 2018: Austin Maddox outrighted off the 40-man roster
Austin Maddox was outrighted off the 40-man roster ahead of the Rule 5 protection deadline.
November 20, 2018: Michael Chavis, Travis Lakins, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor and Denyi Reyes added to the 40-man roster
Michael Chavis, Travis Lakins, Darwinzon Hernandez, Josh Taylor and Denyi Reyes were added to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 draft
November 20, 2018: Colten Brewer acquired in trade
Colten Brewer was acquired in a trade with the Padres in exchange for minor-league second baseman Esteban Quiroz.
November 30, 2018: Tyler Thornburg avoids arbitration
Tyler Thornburg and the Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $1.75 million contract to avoid arbitration.
December 5, 2018: Nathan Eovaldi signs four-year, $67.5 million deal
Nathan Eovaldi agreed to re-sign with the Red Sox on a four-year, $67.5 million contract.
December 10, 2018: Robby Scott claimed off waivers by Reds
Robby Scott was claimed off waivers by the Reds, bringing the Red Sox 40-man roster down to 39.
December 21, 2018: Heath Hembree avoids arbitration
Heath Hembree and the Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $1,312,500 contract to avoid arbitration.
January 10, 2019: Steven Wright avoids arbitration
Steven Wright and the Red Sox agreed to a one-year, $1.375 million contract to avoid arbitration.
January 11, 2019: Red Sox avoid arbitration with ten players
Red Sox agree to one-year deals to avoid arbitration with ten players.
March 2, 2019: Red Sox agree to term with pre-arbitration players
The Red Sox agreed to terms with 17 pre-arbitration players. The only terms released were Andrew Benintendi ($717,500) and Rafael Devers ($614,500).
March 6, 2019: Steven Wright suspended 80 games for positive PED test
Steven Wright tested positive for a PED, putting him on the restricted list for 80 games and taking him off the 40-man roster for that time.
March 18, 2019: Dustin Pedroia to start the year on the IL
Dustin Pedroia will start the season on the IL. There is no timetable on his return.
March 22, 2019: Chris Sale signs five-year, $145 million extension
Chris Sale and the Red Sox agreed on a five-year, $145 million extension beginning in 2020. It has no bearing on the 2019 Luxury Tax calculation.
March 24, 2019: Sandy León placed on waivers
The Red Sox placed Sandy León on waivers, giving teams three days to put in a claim for León and his entire 2019 salary.
March 26, 2019: Sandy León clears waivers; outrighted to Pawtucket
Sandy León cleared waivers and the Red Sox outrighted him to Pawtucket. He accepted the assignment two days later.
March 31, 2019: Xander Bogaerts signs six-year, $120 million extension
Xander Bogaerts and the Red Sox agreed to a six-year, $120 million extension beginning in 2020. It has no bearing on the 2019 Luxury Tax calculation.
April 4, 2019: Steve Pearce activated from the injured list
Steve Pearce is activated from the injured list after a seven-game absence. Sam Travis has been optioned to Pawtucket.
April 6, 2019: Brock Holt and Brian Johnson placed on injured list. Tzu-Wei Lin and Marcus Walden re-called
Brock Holt (scratched cornea) and Brian Johnson (elbow inflammation) were both placed on the 10-day injured list. Tzu-Wei Lin and Marcus Walden were re-called from Pawtucket.
April 9, 2019: Dustin Pedroia activated from injured list. Tzu-Wei Lin optioned to Pawtucket
Dustin Pedroia was activated from the injured list following an 11-game absence. Tzu-Wei Lin was optioned to make room just three days after being called up.
April 15, 2019: Marcus Walden optioned to Pawtucket
Marcus Walden was optioned after spending nine days in the majors. The corresponding move wasn’t immediately announced.
April 16, 2019: Blake Swihart is designated for assignment
Blake Swihart designated for assignment. I’m holding off on updating the payroll table until we find out if he has been claimed.
April 16, 2019: Sandy León, Erasmo Ramírez selected from Pawtucket
Sandy León and Erasmo Ramírez were added to the 40-man roster and called up to Boston. León is the corresponding move for the Swihart DFA; Ramírez for the Marcus Walden option.
April 18, 2019: Dustin Pedroia placed on the injured list. Marcus Walden re-called from Pawtucket
Dustin Pedroia was placed back on the injured list after hearing a pop in his knee. Marcus Walden was re-called from Pawtucket.
April 19, 2019: Eduardo Núñez placed on injured list. Erasmo Ramírez designated for assignment. Michael Chavis and Tzu-Wei Lin called up from Pawtucket
Eduardo Núñez was placed on the injured list and Erasmo Ramírez was designated for assignment three days after being called up. Michael Chavis and Tzu-Wei Lin were added to the active roster.
April 19, 2019: Blake Swihart traded to Diamondbacks for outfielder Marcus Wilson
Blake Swihart was traded to Arizona along with international pool money for Marcus Wilson. Wilson was assigned to Double-A Portland.
April 20, 2019: Nathan Eovaldi placed on injured list. Bobby Poyner re-called
Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the injured list with a loose body in his throwing elbow. Bobby Poyner was re-called from Pawtucket.
April 23, 2019: Darwinzon Hernandez and Travis Lakins called up to active roster. Bobby Poyner optioned to Pawtucket
Darwinzon Hernandez was called up as the 26th man for the April 23 doubleheader. Between games, Bobby Poyner was optioned to Pawtucket three days after coming up and Travis Lakins was called up. Hernandez was optioned back to Portland after the game.
April 26, 2019: Josh Smith selected from Pawtucket. Travis Lakins optioned to Pawtucket
Josh Smith was selected from Pawtucket and added to the 40-man roster. Travis Lakins was demoted to Pawtucket three days after his call-up.
May 4, 2019: Eduardo Núñez activated off injured list. Tzu-Wei Lin placed on the injured list
Eduardo Núñez was activated off the 10-day injured list after a 15-day absence. Tzu-Wei Lin was placed on the injured list with a knee injury.
May 4, 2019: Joey Curletta claimed off waivers from Seattle
Minor-league first baseman Joey Curletta was claimed off waivers from the Mariners. He is added to the 40-man roster.
May 6, 2019: David Price placed on 10-day injured list. Ryan Weber selected from Pawtucket
David Price was placed on the 10-day injured list with an elbow injury. Ryan Weber was selected from Pawtucket. The 40-man roster is now full.
May 17, 2019: Sandy León placed on Paternity List. Óscar Hernández selected from Pawtucket. Chandler Shepherd designated for assignment
Sandy León was placed on the paternity leave list for three days. Óscar Hernández was selected from Pawtucket. To make room on the 40-man roster, Chandler Shepherd was designated for assignment.
May 19, 2019: Chandler Shepherd claimed by Cubs
Chandler Shepherd was claimed off waivers by the Cubs.
May 20, 2019: David Price returned from IL. Sandy León returned from paternity list. Josh Smith optioned. Óscar Hernández optioned
David Price returned from the injured list after a 14-day absence. Sandy León returned from the paternity list after a three-day absence. Josh Smith and Óscar Hernández were optioned to make room on the active roster.
May 24, 2019: Tyler Thornburg was placed on the 10-day injured list. Travis Lakins re-called from Pawtucket
Tyler Thornburg was placed on the 10-day IL with a right hip impingement. Travis Lakins was recalled for his second major-league stint of the season.
May 26, 2019: Darwinzon Hernandez re-called from Portland. Colten Brewer optioned to Pawtucket
Darwinzon Hernandez was called up from Portland for his second major-league stint of the season. Colten Brewer was optioned to Pawtucket after spending the entire season to this point on the active roster.
May 27, 2019: Dustin Pedroia transferred to the 60-day injured list.
Dustin Pedroia was transferred to the 60-day injured list, clearing a spot on the 40-man roster.
May 27, 2019: Brock Holt returns from injured list. Darwinzon Hernandez optioned to Portland
Brock Holt returned from the IL after a 51-day absence. Darwinzon Hernandez was optioned back to Portland a day after he was called up.
May 29, 2019: Mitch Moreland placed on the 10-day injured list. Travis Lakins optioned. Josh Taylor, Colten Brewer re-called from Pawtucket.
Mitch Moreland was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. Travis Lakins was optioned to Pawtucket five days after being re-called. Josh Taylor was re-called for his first major-league stint of the season. Colten Brewer was re-called for his second stint, three days after being optioned.
May 30, 2019: Hector Velázquez placed on the 10-day injured list. Mike Shawaryn selected from Pawtucket.
Hector Velázquez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. Mike Shawaryn was selected from Pawtucket, taking the empty 40-man roster spot.
June 1, 2019: Steve Pearce placed on the 10-day injured list. Sam Travis re-called from Pawtucket
Steve Pearce was placed on the 10-day injured list with a lower back strain. Sam Travis was re-called from Pawtucket for his second major-league stint of the season.
June 7, 2019: Mitch Moreland reinstated off injured list. Ryan Weber optioned to Pawtucket.
Mitch Moreland was reinstated off the 10-day injured list after a 12-game absence. Ryan Weber was optioned back to Pawtucket after 32 days on the active roster.