Let’s look at the 2019 Royals payroll

The Royals have already been elinimated from post-season contention this year, and barring major changes this off-season, may as well be eliminated from post-season contention for next year as well. Regardless of their chances, they will still field a team next year, and based on contract numbers from Cot’s Contracts, it won’t be a cheap team either.

Royals payrolls have gone up dramatically in the last seven years, as the team went from also-ran to contender. But even as the team has slunk back down to cellar-dwelling status, payroll has remained high. Despite efforts to cut costs, the Royals still fielded a $123 million Opening Day payroll this year, 20th-highest in baseball and higher…