Red Sox May Add to Record $264M Payroll

Team Chair Tom Werner says club 'may not be done' increasing 2026 spending

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner revealed on Sunday that the team may not be finished adding to its record-setting $264 million payroll for the 2026 season. This would be the largest payroll in Red Sox history and the seventh highest in Major League Baseball.

Why it matters

The Red Sox have faced criticism in recent years for trading away star players like Mookie Betts and failing to field a consistently competitive team. Werner's comments suggest the team is willing to spend big to try and return to contention in the highly competitive American League East division.

The details

The Red Sox's current $264 million luxury tax payroll projection for 2026 would eclipse their previous high of $239 million set in 2020. Werner noted the team will have a 'high payroll' but said they don't have a specific target they work towards, instead focusing on being 'competitive' in the tough AL East.

  • The Red Sox's 2026 payroll is currently projected to be $264 million.

The players

Tom Werner

Chairman of the Boston Red Sox.

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What they’re saying

“We will have a high payroll. But it's not like we have a target and we work to it. We're obviously in the most challenging division in baseball but we were competitive last year.”

— Tom Werner, Chairman (Boston Globe)

What’s next

The Red Sox will continue to evaluate their roster and payroll situation as the 2026 season approaches.

The takeaway

The Red Sox's willingness to spend big on payroll suggests they are committed to fielding a competitive team and returning to the playoffs, even in the highly challenging AL East division.