Friday, May 8, 2026

Red Sox to Have Highest MLB Payroll in 2018

Money, money, money. (Image via FOS)

Money, money, money. (Image via FOS)

According to the AP, the Boston Red Sox will find themselves atop MLB’s payroll, unseating the Dodgers from their four-year reign as the league’s top spender.

The top 7 teams in terms of payroll are as follows:

  1. Boston Red Sox – $223 million
  2. San Francisco Giants – $203 million
  3. Chicago Cubs – $183 million
  4. Los Angeles Dodgers – $180 million
  5. Washington Nationals – $180 million
  6. Los Angeles Angels – $170 million
  7. New York Yankees – $167 million

With MLB’s luxury tax threshold sitting at $197 million for 2018, all but the Giants and Red Sox would find themselves safe.

Coming it at approximately $71 million, the Oakland A’s and the Chicago White Sox are projected to have the lowest payrolls in the league.

With the 2018 MLB season set to kick off tomorrow, it will be interesting to see which teams live up to their lofty payrolls and which ones outplay their low payrolls.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Matt Palumb

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.

MLB Is Seeing an Early Ratings Lift From New-Look TV Deals

The league’s new-look rights pacts are paying off so far.
Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur Is Facing a Billion-Dollar Disaster

A seemingly improbable drop to England’s second tier is a tangible possibility.

Featured Today

Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Final - Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Punjab Kings - Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - June 4, 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Indian Premier League

How Private Equity Fell in Love With Indian Cricket

India’s U.S.-style cricket league has become a private-equity playground.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
May 1, 2026

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
April 22, 2026

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.