Mookie Betts is heading into the final year of his contract and the Boston Red Sox are looking to cut payroll.

The Red Sox want to get under the luxury tax threshold and J.D. Martinez didn't opt out of his contract, which would have provided relief.

Betts, 27, is expected to receive a raise of his $20 million arbitration salary in 2019.

Sam Kennedy says the Red Sox hope to sign Betts to an extension, but the CEO also pointed out that the two sides haven't had serious talks.