For the first time since the luxury tax penalty first took effect in 2003, the Yankees will fall below its threshold. That’s 14 straight seasons that the Yanks have surpassed the allowable sum by a total $319.6 million. The next closest club to penalties incurred would be the Dodgers from 2013-17, for a total of $149.7 million.
When the 2018 season began, the Yankees held a collective $178.8 million on the books. Fast-forward six months, and because of upgrades, payroll jumped to $192.1 million.
Even if you count in C.C. Sabathia’s $500K for pitching 155 innings (he currently has 139.