The Boston Red Sox are on track to pay a $13.05 million luxury tax for a season in which they are likely to miss the playoffs.
The World Series champions' payroll for purposes of the tax increased from $239.7 million on opening day to $242.8 million on Aug. 31, according to calculations by the commissioner's office obtained by The Associated Press. That is well over the $206 million threshold where the tax begins.
As of opening day, the Red Sox were projected for an $11.76 million tax.
Boston Red Sox's Christian Vazquez tosses his hemet after striking out against the Los Angeles Angels during the second inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019. (AP PhotoChris Carlson)
Boston entered Saturday with a 77-70 record, 8½ games out for the second AL wild card with 15 games remaining. The Red Sox fired president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski last weekend.
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FILE - This March 30, 2018, file photo shows Dave Dombrowski, President of Baseball Operations for the Boston Red Sox, before a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Red Sox in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Red Sox have parted ways with Dombrowski. Red Sox spokesman Kevin Gregg made the announcement Sunday night, Sept. 8, 2019, shortly after the New York Yankees beat Boston 10-5. (AP PhotoChris O'Meara, File)