Red Sox Number 4 in MLB 'Payroll'

BEN CHERINGTON

RED SOX : SPRING TRAINING 2014
March 29,2014.







c/o Nick O'Malley
      The Republican

Not too long ago, it was the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees' dueling bank accounts dominating the top two slots in payrolls. Now, though, both teams have been knocked down a peg or two, as a result of both franchises cutting back while others continue to go all out.

While the Yankees have been outspent by another MLB franchise for the first time in 15 years, the Red Sox are in a familiar position, ranking No. 4 in the majors in player salaries, according to a study conducted by the Associated Press.

The report, which broke down 885 player salaries across the league, has the Red Sox spending $163 million this season, putting them just above the Detroit Tigers at $162 million. In 2013, a similar report put the Red Sox at No. 4 in baseball with $158.9 million, showing a sizable bump in spending, especially when considering the fact that Ryan Dempster forfeited his $13.25 million salary at the start of spring training.

The exact numbers for player salaries will vary depending on where you look, which is why first baseman Mike Napoli, who was reportedly set to become the highest paid player on the Red Sox when he signed this offseason, comes in at No. 2. Previously, Peavy had been expected to make $14.5 million based off previous knowledge of his contract.

On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest-paid player on the Red Sox's opening day roster will be one of the team's rookies -- shortstop Xander Bogaerts or center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. It's no question that Bradley has the lower salary, but with the way Grady Sizemore has been playing in spring training, the rookie outfielder could start the season at Triple-A.

(Note: This study was conducted on base salaries does not include any bonuses, including the playing time incentives that could drive Sizemore's contract up to $6 million.)

Here's the full list of salaries, as assembled by the AP.

1. Jake Peavy - $16.157 million
2. Mike Napoli - $16 million
3. John Lackey - $15.95 million
4. David Ortiz - $15.5 million
5. Jon Lester - $13 million
6. Shane Victorino - $13 million
7. Dustin Pedroia - $12.875 million
8. A.J. Pierzynski - $8.25 million
9. Clay Buchholz - $7.95 million
10. Jonny Gomes - $5 million
11. Koji Uehara - $5 million
12. Edward Mujica - $4.75 million
13. Craig Breslow - $3.825 million*
14. David Ross - $3.1 million
15. Chris Capuano - $2.25 million
16. Burke Badenhop - $2.15 million
17. Andrew Miller - $1.9 million
18. Junichi Tazawa - $1.725 million
19. Mike Carp - $1.4 million
20. Jonathan Herrera - $1.3 million
21. Grady Sizemore - $750,000^
22. Felix Doubront - $586,000
23. Daniel Nava - $556,500
24. Will Middlebrooks - $540,500
25. Brandon Workman - $518,000**
26. Xander Bogaerts - $517,000
27. Ryan Lavarnway - $510,000**
28. Drake Britton - $503,000**
29. Jackie Bradley Jr. - $502,000^
30. Steven Wright - $502,000**

*May begin season on disabled list

**Expected to start the season in the minor leagues.

^Battling for spot on 25-man roster.