Though the past 12 months in Major League Baseball have been largely punctuated by big-market clubs performing financial gymnastics to avoid crossing the $197MM luxury tax barrier (e.g. Giants, Yankees, Dodgers), the Red Sox are of a different mindset. Boston, of course, has already exceeded the $197MM threshold — so much so that the team is already on the hook for an extra 12 percent surtax on every dollar spent over $217MM (plus 20 percent on everything north of $197MM). But Red Sox CEO Sam Kennedy tells Evan Drellich of NBC Sports Boston that the organization is willing, in the right scenario, for its luxury tax ledger to cross the $237MM mark that represents the most severe point of taxation.
As Drellich explains, the Sox are already in line to pay something in the vicinity of $10MM in luxury tax penalties based on their spending to date. The collective bargaining agreement, though, stipulates that a team exceeding the initial tax barrier by more than $40MM will not only pay a 42.5 percent surtax on every dollar spent beyond $237MM (in addition to the standard 20 percent), it’d also see its top pick in the following year’s draft pushed back 10 spots (provided that pick is not within the top six of the draft, which obviously will not be the case).
The Red Sox currently hold the best record in baseball, which should line them up to pick 33rd overall in 2019. (Normally, that’d be 30th overall, but the Braves, D-backs and Dodgers will all receive compensatory first-round selections after failing to sign their 2018 first-round draft choices.) By dropping from 33rd to 43rd in the draft, the Sox would not only have a less preferential pool from which to select a player, they’d also see their overall draft budget reduced accordingly. The difference in slot value between pick No. 33 and pick No. 43 in 2018 was $454,400 — not a massive sum, but one that would limit a team’s flexibility when trying to negotiate over-slot bonuses with mid-round picks. Nonetheless, Kennedy clearly states that the Sox aren’t closed off to the possibility.
“[T]here would be a willingness to do that if it meant, in our estimation, making a decision that could really help put us over the edge, over the top, this year and the postseason,” said Kennedy of crossing the $237MM line. “You know, we had the taste of October the last two years. There’s no question, we’re hungry for October success.”
Notably, Drellich writes that the Sox may ultimately consider adding a starting pitcher now that Eduardo Rodriguez’s ankle has been found to have “serious damage” following this past weekend’s injury. Left-hander Drew Pomeranz (biceps tendinitis) and right-hander Steven Wright (knee inflammation) are both on the shelf as well. Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and David Price still give the Sox a solid foundation on their starting staff, but with injuries mounting, a more pressing need than most would have anticipated just a few weeks ago certainly exists.
Boston also remains keen on adding a reliever, Drellich notes, as has been reported by various outlets over the past few weeks. Drellich suggests that Rodriguez could ultimately emerge as a bullpen option if the Sox want to ease him back into action late in the year, though president of baseball operations tells Drellich it is “much too early” to make any sort of determination as pertains to that possibility.
redsoxfan2
Hope they make a big move
dimitrios in la
Starting rotation is quite suspect.
cards81
This just proves the luxury tax will not work…most teams don’t want to go over the luxury tax this yea so it resets next year for them…then they will blow over it next year no problem…Giants, Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox will own free agency
Caseys.Partner
“Giants, Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox will own free agency”
Phillies will own Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.
Those other teams can pick from what’s left.
drjose
How do we know this? Do you really think that if the Yankees want any of them that they won’t them? Especially when both players are supposedly enamored with the pinstripes?
braves25
How upset would you be if neither player signs with Philadelphia?
justacubsfan
Dude, you have to stop banging that drum. I highly doubt the phillies will land Bryce. I think he stays in DC with massive deal or takes highly opt out able contract with a team like the Dodgers, Yankees, Giants, or Cubs.
Caseys.Partner
“they won’t them?”
Tomahawktake
They should just put a 350 million dollar price tag on the championship trophy and let the Red Sox buy it. Mlb is losing fans yearly due to very few teams able to compete. Low market teams have to make full rebuilds and that just takes to long. Millennials are not waiting 5 to 7 years for a winning team they will follow something else.
deweybelongsinthehall
First part is rediculous. Big market teams have always outspent smaller market clubs and the Sox while always in recent memory have always had a top five or so budget, it’s only been since they 2015 or 2016 that they’ve taken it to another level and still only now have the largest payroll. That said, I personally would love for there to be a hard cap and let the best run organization reap the rewards…
Caseys.Partner
” the Sox while always in recent memory have always had a top five or so budget, it’s only been since they 2015 or 2016 that they’ve taken it to another level”
The Red Sox had the highest payroll in MLB eighteen years back and then signed Manny Ramirez to that eight year $160 million contract.
billybosox
stevetheump.com/Payrolls.htm
Fake News. Troll
Franky Zalubo
Are the Red Sox considered a big market team because Boston is actually a big city, or is it because they pack Fenway Park? I am a huge fan of the salary cap, but that said, it does look like the Red Sox management is following the right strategy. Winning fills seats, and Fenway has been filled for years while other parks are ghost towns. Add in television and merchandise and it looks like the Red Sox are raking in cash. Are they really outspending cash flow?
Gobbysteiner
Remember when Sox fans said yankees bought their championships? Lol I’m not a fan of either team but this is just hilarious lol. They’re paying a guy who’s on the giants and a guy who’s in triple A more than the Oakland A’s are paying their entire roster
TinkerAmbast
Sure, but I mean…this is their first year to ever be the top spender in the league. Call me when they do it for 15 straight like the Yankees did.
Gobbysteiner
So it’s okay to do it for a year but if you do it multiple years it’s unfair and buying rings. Got it lol.
Bruin1012
Boohoo
Gobbysteiner
I have no dog in this fight. I just think it’s funny how for years Red Sox fans whined about “buying championships” but it’s suddenly OK when the Sox do it.
MetsYankeesRedSox
and to think this rivalry has been going on for 115 years.
I love it!
deweybelongsinthehall
As a Sox fan, I would support a cap (if only a way for the union to agree, which will not happen). Just to remind everyone, the first true free agent, Catfish Hunter was signed by the Yankees.
qbass187
Yawn.
GarryHarris
I think Hawk Harrelson. was a FA.
padreforlife
Wasn’t much of a rllavry until mid 70’s. Had some moments but after Ruth came to NY the Yankees dominated. Red Sox got to 67 WS but that was 1 year
padreforlife
Want Andy Messersmith before him?
Cuso
Yeah, that’s incorrect.
GeoKaplan
Yes. Messersmith was both the first free agent, and the first free agent bust.
MetsYankeesRedSox
I thought Ted Turner renamed him Channel for a while?!!
Adam6710
“this is their first year to ever be the top spender in the league”
In 2013 they were #4, in 2007 and 2004 they were #2. While their fans may look at the Yankees and see themselves as the “have-nots” to fans of other teams there’s very little difference.
deweybelongsinthehall
Unless the system changes, the big market clubs will always have a financial advantage.
Flapjax55
During the years the Yankees were the top spenders, they were so by a large margin. Other fans can of course think whatever they want but the reality is the Yankees didn’t have a ceiling—they did bought whatever players they wanted. They always had very expensive guys on the bench. That is the entire reason “the ghosts came out.”
dobsonel
Why does no one mention that the Yanks won 4 out of 5 World Series before “buying” rings then only won one during that 15 year span.
greglowcws
Been doing this few the last few years. Not this high, but still very high payroll. 200mil+ the last couple years and 180mil+ before that for a couple years.
MZ311
They were right behind the Yankees in payroll
eaterofbirds
What’s lost in all this “buying championships” talk, is, they HAVE to spend. Sure, they have the best record in the league, but getting there involved clearing out the farm and blundering free agency. They have little choice at this point then to back the Brinks truck up. They got where they are this year by way of cupcake schedule and a glass rotation. They need a front line pitcher if they are going to keep the foot on the pedal against NY and Hou. as well as some bullpen help.
redsox18
I would rather they buy championships instead of putting that money in their pockets like so many teams do.
Adam6710
Agreed 100%. Spending money to win is what every well-run team does. If that’s “buying a championship” then whatever.
tonysdog01
Can you say METS????
TrollHunter
Thank you!
Signed:
Every Pirates fan!
Cam
Every Team buys championships – no one is playing for free.
jb19
False
xabial
I seem to remember you dissing Jeter’s Marlins..
Jeter is selling championship dream to the fans with visions of a long-term plan, that included a difficult sell-off, instead of buying championship.
No Not “Every Team buys championships.”
Pirates have never had $100M opening day payroll!
Red Sox might reach $237MM!
deweybelongsinthehall
Remember, they couldn’t do this if they didn’t reset their threshold last year. No one wants to waste $ but to be so close when your team is built to win would be crazy not to consider moves. They just have to be smart which time will tell. You also don’t look at one year. Like the Yankees, they will have to make choices and their day is coming quicker given Betts, Boegarts, Sale, Kimbrel and JDM all have contracts expiring in 18 or 19. Should be interesting.
Bruin1012
Betts is controlled through 2020 but right on the others
MrStealYoBase
Going to be due for big arb raises at the very least.
Bruin1012
This is true
Boogaloo
Not exactly a good thing that 4 of your best players are soon to be free agents.
Gonna have to pay about $50 million more a year just to keep those guys.
gronk
It’s a good thing I could care less about that crap when I’m watching my entertaining first place hometown team.
Caseys.Partner
“They’re paying a guy who’s on the giants and a guy who’s in triple A more than the Oakland A’s are paying their entire roster”
And Atlanta is a bigger market.
How much are Braves fans missing Ted Turner?
lasershow45
I’m confused. What’s Atlanta have to do with Oakland?
Gobbysteiner
What does Atlanta have to do with anything that’s been discussed here
SKbreesy
He’s a Philly fan, so he knocks Atlanta whenever he can.
gomerhodge71
The Sandoval fiasco was a Ben Cherington production all the way. Baby Ben panicked when the Sox crashed and went out and signed Pablo and Hanley to those ridiculous contracts to save face. Lost his job because of it.
lovethatdirtyh20
Different era, different owners, different time
#Fantasygeekland
I guess that means they go after guys like Danny Duffy or Cole Hamels and not deal away as much in terms of prospects than a less expensive pitcher would cost. But if I were KC or Texas, I’d want to pay down part of their contracts to maximize the prospect return.
Priggs89
Seeing as they don’t have much in terms of prospects to give up, that’d be a logical decision.
Caseys.Partner
“Danny Duffy or Cole Hamels and not deal away as much in terms of prospects”
What prospects?
The Red Sox farm is empty. They are flirting with disaster.
redsox18
The second a team is ready to compite for a championship they need to use the farm to improve their chances that’s what teams do you can’t worry about the future if you have a chance to win now you take it.
Gobbysteiner
You guys already used the farm to build the team you have now though. And that farm is now empty.
xabial
If season ended today, Yankees would host Mariners, WC sudden-death elimination.
Yankees are 4.5 games back of the Red Sox. (All Star break) May the best team win!!!
lovethatdirtyh20
There is still enough to add a rental. Just because the Sox aren’t included in the top 10 farms, doesn’t mean they don’t have enough to make a trade
sheff86
They don’t have the prospects.
mikeyank55
Sure they do. There are Res Sox prospects all over the MLB, courtesy of Trader Dave.
bruinsfan94 2
Which deals of his would you take back?
rmullig2
How about Travis Shaw?
bruinsfan94 2
Shaw was not a prospect at the time and that is pretty much the only trade that has not worked out. Margot, Gurrea, Moncada, Esponiza, and several lesser ones have all lost value.
SKbreesy
As stated above Shaw wasn’t a prospect, and if Thornburg can produce anywhere near what he was for the Brewers this year, then the trade would be a success.
MZ311
Isn’t that asking a lot of a guy who hasn’t pitched in almost two seasons?
lovethatdirtyh20
Shaw hasn’t worked out. Sale and Kimbrel have.. Shaw is a shrug, no GM bats 1000 on trades.. The most important trade is the next one.
Kevin 23
Thornburg is not even CLOSE to being the same pitcher he was in Milwaukee! His fastball velo is down 4-5 mph and his devastating curveball has nowhere near the same bite. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome is notorious for taking 2-3 years to really return from. I don’t see Thornburg being anything more than a middle innings guy this year. The Sox desperately need to get a lock down 8th inning guy. My pick is Felipe Vazquez but I doubt they have the prospects to swing that, so I think they end up with a rental like Britton.
ellisburks
Yeah I mean all they got for those trades was Kimbrel and Sale. Two reliever trades haven’t worked out great but our ace and closer were worth the prospects.
Kevin 23
In all fairness they traded Wade Miley for Carson Smith.. Miley is a complete and utter bum so that trade still favors the Red Sox. The Thornburg trade was bad at the time and even worse now though.
cygnus2112
Moose & Whit would be relatively inexpensive the rest of the season & more than seasoned for pennant runs especially with MM & it would only push them (Bos) very little to not over the threshold. However if I were KC, I’d start the talks with Devers & 2 prospects in the Sox top 30 list & maybe even a “lotto” type nobody right now in A ball. I got a sneaking suspicion they’re going to deal with each other in some fashion over the next few weeks…
bruinsfan94 2
Awful deal for Boston.
cygnus2112
Reading comprehension is obviously an issue with you. The comment was “IF” I were KC! I don’t think that RD is being dealt but that said, both Merrifield & Moose is blowing your boy outta the water from a statistical perspective so stay stupid…
bruinsfan94 2
How is that stupid? I said it was a bad deal for Boston, which it is.Did you see how little value Moose had this last offseason?Just a a stupid post by you, jerk.
gronk
I don’t think I’d be ripped as a Boston homer for saying I doubt Boston would send out a 21 year old Devers, plus prospects? in a deal for Merrifield and a few months of Moose.
lovethatdirtyh20
There is no doubt whatsoever DD isn’t trading Devers for a rental.
GoldenJabs
I have a “sneaking” suspicion you have no idea what your talking about.
lovethatdirtyh20
That proposal would get a quick “click”
Kevin 23
Are you high? Devers for a rental? You are absolutely out of your mind! Devers is going NOWHERE! He is still just 21 years old and 4 years away from the start of his prime.
lovethatdirtyh20
No doubt about Devers being an untouchable. Sox not only need his talent, they need his cheap control.
HouthonAthroths
I actually think that contracts of players that a team drafts should not be counted towards the luxury tax threashold. Why punish a team that drafted well? Thus would also help to not penalize players’ salaries by teams working their salaries within a limited cap space. Just my 2 cents.
jd396
The Yankees have paid out about 62% of all luxury tax dollars. 33% has been paid out by the Red Sox and Dodgers. The remaining 5% comes from the Tigers, Giants, Cubs, Nationals, and Angels, and those were all relatively small short term infractions that are understandable in context with where their rosters were at the time of the infraction (splurging on windows or contention).
That leaves 22 teams who have never payed the luxury taxi going back, to ever.
The three teams that pay 95% of historical luxury tax dollars aren’t being penalized for drafting well by any stretch of the imagination. They spend what they want, when they want to, and do it knowing full well in advance what the actual cost is. They just don’t care. The only difference now is that they lose some picks. The luxury tax has little to no deterring effect on the top dollar teams.
driftcat28 2
Makes sense, no one will take the bad contracts, and their are no prospects to help give bad contracts away. And with no players in the pipeline the only way to stay competitive would be to sign free agents. It’s working now but we’ll see how the team looks in 5 years
mikeyank55
A solid foundation with Price is like saying “a state of the art safety cruise ship” for the Titanic. With Price’s ERA and aversion to pitching to good teams who is going to start after the first two?
Coupled with Sale’s annual September Swab they are in first and ready for their slide.
Kevin 23
Really? A Yankees fan is taking shots at the Red Sox rotation? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAHAH
rocky7
You’re right, the Sox rotation is 3 guys pitching, hope they go 8, and pray for rain on all the other days!
mike156
As a longtime fan of the big-spending Evil Empire, I say to the Red Sox….go ahead and spend it. Your team is already plenty good, but why not?
leprechaun
Not a fan so as a outsider I like it. If a team is making millions then it’s great that ownership puts emphasis on winning over profit. These owners are all mostly multi multi millionaires so what’s the big deal. It’s great to have that attitude as a owner.
I’m a Chicago fan and trust me our owners in every sport are more concerned with profit then with winning.
Kudos to Red Sox fans
jd396
I sincerely doubt Henry and Werner and the rest of FSG are going to be losing much profit over this.
Sasha C. Handelman
My guess if they’re willing to go over the threshold they’ll attempt to get a reliever (Hand/Britton) a back of the rotation starter like Ross/Strailey
Bosox2013
I second that
its_happening
Third. Yes, Boston has plenty hitting and a pretty good starting 4 for the playoffs (if ERod’s healthy). Bullpen is where they want to focus their attention.
Bosox2013
Technically they aren’t “buying a championship” when you consider that Pablo is being paid to play for the Giants, Rusney isn’t on the 40 man roster and Hanley is a free agent. They may spend a lot (stupidly) but that doesn’t mean it’s contributing to productivity on the field. I’m not saying they don’t pay in the top bracket of MLB but I’m not gonna act like a huge chunk of there talent isn’t home grown either.
lasershow45
I like looking at it a different way…
Basically they’re paying Martinez what he should have gotten in FA, and he’s destroying the baseball. So I’m fine with it
jd396
Most teams would be very limited in what they could do with their roster while paying Sandoval to go away. That’s the difference. Teams with the financial resources of the Bosox or the handful of other usual suspects on the big market scene can afford to make huge expensive mistakes, and suffer next to no long term consequences besides the sunk money. It doesn’t handcuff them going forward.
Just because the dollars aren’t all going directly on the roster right now doesn’t mean that the team isn’t specifically using its vast financial resources as a key roster building tool. Where many teams would suffer greatly carrying garbage contacts like Hanley or Pablo, the Red Sox can cut the check without blinking and move on to the next thing. Most of the league does not have that ability. They have to think long and hard about who they commit money to and for how long, because if they miss on a deal, they can’t fill the gap on the roster. If they sign a 7 year deal they will have to live with it as a real constraint on their ability to build a roster for 7 years.
Ironman_4life
Im trying to figure out if the batteries in my flash light are tax deductible since I use it for work sometimes. I thought i had problems …
bobtillman
Funny you say that. My wife’s always buying batteries….and we don’t have any flash lights……
justreading
try the blue pills………
emac22
43 vs 33rd pick and 20 mil in tax
Who thinks this is even a consideration?
Ryan Hilson
Where does the luxury tax money go?
Caseys.Partner
“Where does the luxury tax money go?”
Pittsburgh and Florida.
Jeter is salivating at the thought of that check.
xabial
One would think Jeter has bigger aspirations and is salivating at the thought of owning the whole team.
CobiEven
What is the rough dollar amount the Red Sox would have to take on to pass the $237 million mark?
TinkerAmbast
If they tip too much the next time they’re at Olive Garden they’ll go over.
moazetongue
“Willing”. That’s a serious sarcastic remark right there. They have a bottomless pit full of money and they’re “willing”.
jd396
“Oh yeah, they’re going to get under the luxury cap and stay there!” the believers said.
I think we all know the only reason these guys have any passing interest in ever going under the tax number is just to reset the penalties so they can blow past it with impunity again at the first opportune moment.
jmgreenia24
Considering they have no prospects to deal, this makes sense. Eat more money to compensate for a lack of prospect depth. We’ll see what happens.
steve dolan
Minnesota Twins are in rebuild mode. They need to shed salary and get younger. They have many expiring contracts, and pretty much everyone’s available for trade.
Boston has a couple of holes to fill and another couple of upgrades needed down the stretch to go all the way.
Here’s a trade proposal that satisfies both teams needs:
Twins 2B Brian Dozier (FA 2019), 3B Eduardo Escobar (FA 2019), RP/CL Fernando Rodney (team option 2019) and SP Kyle Gibson
for
Sox 2B Eduardo Nunez, 3B prospect Bobby Dalbec, prospect SP Bryan Mata and 1B Sam Travis (Twins 1B Joey Mauer is FA 2019)
KD17
Seems like there is always a guy in my fantasy leagues that thinks like you. Why in the world would Minnesota EVER want Nunez for Dozier. Nunez isn’t a prospect. Next, why would we ever want Rodney. It’s bad enough having to watch Kelly not blow up or blow up. Rodney is more inconsistent and he’s a righty!! Joe Mauer is old, won’t get much in Free Agency and is a local home town hero, why would he leave now? There is no money for him in Free Agency.
As a Red Sox fan, I see why you would want a one-sided trade but why would Minnesota want this? They wouldn’t. Star players like Dozier for non star prospects and big league players? Not happening with ANY team.
We need a rental at 2B since Peddy will be back next year and healthy. We need DeGrom. Back-up the truck and empty the upper farm system and some guys like EROD to get him. His 7.4 M is nothing compared to Price at 30 and we’d have it for 2 years before we have to bump him with the money we get from dumping Price on somebody else. Lastly, we need a lefty 8th inning guy and we could be set for the playoffs if nobody gets hurt.
Sale, DeGrom, Price matches up well with Severino, Sabathia, Gray. It also matches up with the best staff Verlander, Keuchel, Morton or Cole. They have the advantage beyond #3 but I’ll take our guys 1 thru 3. Cleveland’s Kluber, Carrasco and Bauer is also a tough match-up. That’s why it’s so important to get DeGrom to compete for a WS ring not just a playoff birth.