The New York Yankees have long stated that they plan to get below the $189 million luxury tax threshold for the 2014 season, but they have appeared much less bullish on doing so as of late.

"They're going to be over 189," one source familiar with the team's plans said. "They know it. Everyone knows it. You can't run a $3 billion team with the intentions of saving a few million dollars."

The Yankees don't want to dilute their brand over multiple years. They may endure a down year this season with a number of their superstars sidelined by injuries.

As repeat offenders, the Yankees get taxed at 50 percent of every dollar they spend over $189 million. If they dipped under that threshold in 2014, the tax would reset and charge them only 17.5 percent and 30 percent for the next two years.