July 2018 - Boston Red Sox Wiretap

The World Series champion Red Sox owe $11,951,091 in luxury tax for having baseball's top payroll, according to final calculations by the commissioner's office obtained by The Associated Press. The only other team that owes is the Washington Nationals, who must pay $2,386,097, their second straight year with a bill.

Because Boston was more than $40 million over the tax threshold, it also became the first team to incur a new penalty put in place for the 2018 season: the top Red Sox selection in next June's amateur draft will be dropped 10 places. Boston's top pick had been projected to be No. 33 overall before the penalty.

Craig Kimbrel is looking for a massive contract in free agency.

Kimbrel is seeking a six-year deal worth more than $100 million, according to a report.

The right-hander is one of the best closers in Major League history, but will be entering his age-31 season.

Alex Cora announced at baseball's winter meetings on Tuesday that the Boston Red Sox will move Mookie Betts to the No. 2 spot in the lineup, while Andrew Benintendi will leadoff.

Betts is the reigning American League MVP. He has hit second 32 times in his career.

"I think we're going to maximize Mookie in a different spot. Flip-flop them, Beni leading off and Mookie hitting second. Talked to him, it makes sense," Cora said.

"And I know Beni's OK with it. But if you play 162 games, you're going to come up 162 at-bats with nobody on," he added. "And last year, what I wanted from him in the leadoff spot, we accomplished. It's a different season and we have to make adjustments, and that's where we're going to go."

Mike Napoli, a popular clubhouse figure who hit 267 home runs and made three World Series trips during his 13-year career, announced his retirement Saturday.

Napoli, who did not play in the majors last season because of a knee injury, said in a statement that he hopes to "be remembered as someone who always tried to keep the clubhouse atmosphere light and inclusive."

The Boston Red Sox are nearing an agreement to bring back Nathan Eovaldi, according to a report.

The report states that "the market is really just the Red Sox at this point."

Jon Heyman reported that Eovaldi could receive a four-year deal worth $17 million annually.

The Boston Red Sox have accepted an invitation to go to the White House.

Alex Cora, who has been critical of President Donald Trump's comments on Puerto Rico, says he will attend.

"I'm gonna use my platform the right way," Cora said. "I'm not gonna embarrass anybody. Actually, I'm gonna represent 4 million people from back home the right way when we go there."

No date has been scheduled for the World Series champions to be honored.