Hot Stove Lunch: Red Sox will get some budget relief next year

The Red Sox will once again have the biggest payroll in baseball for 2019.

The Sox spent more than they ever had in 2018 and were rewarded with a World Series title...and a $12 million luxury tax bill.

This year, the Sox are projected to start the season at just under $240 million, just below the top threshold of $246 million in luxury tax computations.

It's a tight fit for now, with the Sox looking for inexpensive options in the bullpen in an effort to stay under the top threshold and additional penalties (tax, draft picks, compensation for lost free agents).

But next year? Next year might be totally different.

If they don't keep their own free agents, the Red Sox could see more than $100 million coming off their payroll. Of course, that would mean not retaining the likes of Rick Porcello, Xander Bogaerts, Chris Sale and others.

The trick, for the Red Sox, will be keeping the guys they want, then investing the savings elsewhere while reducing their payroll to give them additional in-season flexibility.

As it stands now, the Sox could be limited in their ability to add salary during 2019 -- unless they're so fully committed to repeating as champions and are willing to go over the final threshold again.

Elsewhere...

AL EAST

The newest member of the Yankees is willing to move around the infield.

The Orioles are still in the market for outfield help.

It's unlikely that Bryce Harper will wind up in Toronto.

Does former Ray Fred McGriff still have a chance at Cooperstown?

AL CENTRAL

The Indians are counting on Jake Bauers to replicate the first half of last season.

A former top pick of the Tigers is running out of time.

The White Sox lost a player to the crosstown Cubs.

A Royals pitcher got suspended for PEDs

AL WEST

The Rangers are deciding on the playing surface for their new ballpark.

Could the Mariners find a trade fit with the Padres?

Chris Hermann is hoping for more playing time.

The Angels got a one-year stadium lease extension.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

The Mets aren't in on Bryce Harper -- and cited a strange reason.