Red Sox 2018 Payroll Update: Limited space under luxury tax

When accounting for guaranteed contracts and raises for players under team control, the Boston Red Sox are nearing the luxury tax before free agency begins.

The Boston Red Sox made an obvious move official, picking up the 2018 team options for Chris Sale and Craig Kimbrel. Their combined salaries bring the team’s payroll for next season up to $114.5 million.

Before we get too excited about the room that leaves the Red Sox under the expected $197 million luxury tax threshold, we should note that the current payroll accounts for only six players. David Price ($30 million), Hanley Ramirez ($22 million), Rick Porcello ($21 million), Dustin Pedroia ($16 million), Kimbrel ($13 million) and Sale…