In an era where pitching depth and offensive firepower come at a premium, the names leading the salary table represent more than just figures. They’re investments in performance, leadership and the hope of pushing deeper into October.

But what these numbers also reveal is how the Red Sox are balancing risk and reward—whether locking in long-term deals or paying for proven production. The story behind the roster’s highest-paid players shows how Boston plans to compete this season.

Who are the highest-paid Red Sox players in 2026?

Money shapes expectations in Boston and the 2026 payroll makes that impossible to ignore. The front office has doubled down on star power and frontline pitching, committing significant resources to a handful of names expected to define the club’s direction this season.

According to Spotrac’s 2026 payroll data, left-hander Garrett Crochet leads the way at $28 million. After signing a long-term extension following his arrival in Boston, he enters the year positioned not just as the rotation’s anchor, but as the organization’s most expensive investment on the mound.

Veteran shortstop Trevor Story follows at $25 million, a figure tied to the multi-year deal he inked in free agency. His contract continues to loom large over the payroll conversation, especially as they look for stability and production.

These figures highlight more than just numbers: they outline Boston’s financial priorities. Pitching, veteran leadership and middle-of-the-order potential dominate the top of the ledger…

The Yankees could’ve had Manny Machado and/or Bryce Harper. They could’ve pursued Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon, Robbie Ray, or traded for Luis Castillo. Instead, they traded for an aging, injury-prone Josh Donaldson making nearly $30 million.

We’re talking about a team that’s spent $3 billion since 2009and has no World Series to show for it, and it’s hard to justify Cashman keeping his job. So, if he wants to turn things around once and for all, he should target — and get — at least two of these players.

MLB Rumors: 3 Players Yankees Should Target In Free Agency

3. Dansby Swanson

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Gelyber Torres combined for 39 fielding errors last season. That shouldn’t happen with a defensive specialist such as Dansby Swanson taking over the starting SS spot.

Moreover, Swanson made great strides as a hitter this season, hitting .277 with an OBP of .329. The Atlanta Braves will sure love to keep him around, but it doesn’t sound like he’s got that on his plans right now.

2. Willson Contreras

Neither Jose Trevino, nor Kyle Higashioka have ever been or will ever be consistent hitters. That’s why the Yankees need to break the bank and pay Willson Contreras as much as he wants, as he’s one of the best in business in that regard among catchers.

The Yankees’ bottom of the order was horrible for the most part of the year, and it sure showed up in the postseason. The former Chicago Cubs star doesn’t strike out often, and he can hit for power and average while also being a great defender.

1. Trea Turner

With DJ LeMahieu struggling with injuries, the Yankees struggled vastly to get on base. They need a leadoff hitter who can actually… lead off the offense, and Trea Turner is one of the best in the game.

The Yankees need a shortstop who can live up to Derek Jeter’s standards. The Los Angeles Dodgers failed to extend Turner and risk losing him in free agency, and the Yankees simply cannot afford to miss out on this chance.

The Cubs are going through a rebuilding phase. That’s a process that takes time and gets worse before it gets better most of the time. It’s also a test ofthe fans’ patience and perspective, but it’s something every team must go through every now and then.

Needless to say, that means making tough decisions and letting go of some of the biggest names on the squad. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at the 3 Cubs stars most likely to be traded this season.

MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Cubs Stars That Will Be Traded This Season

3. Willson Contreras

Willson Contreras is the Cubs’ leader on and off the fieldand perhaps the most iconic player left from their World Series run. He’s set to become a free agent at the end of the season, and contract extension talks have halted.

Contreras should have no trouble finding a new home. He’s one of the best hitters at his position, and the universal DH spot helps him stay fresh and healthy. Thus far, he’s slashed .274/.392/.890 with 13 homers and 35 RBIs.

2. Ian Happ

Ian Happ’s defense is pretty much average, but he brings versatility to the table that most contending teams should consider ahead of the postseason. He can play all over the diamond and in the outfield as well without being a defensive liability.

On top of that, Happ’s offense has been pretty decent this season. He’s slashing .282/.378/.833 with eight dingers, 38 RBIs, and six stolen bases. He’s on a team-friendly deal and should gauge plenty of league-wide interest.

1. David Robertson

In a league where reliable relievers are a dying breed, David Robertson has turned back the clock to have one of his best seasons up to date. He’s 37 years old already, but he’d be a massive pickup for a team with World Series aspirations.

The former champion has been lights out for the North Siders this season. He’s posted an ERA of 1.89 with a 0.960 WHIP, a3.0 strikeout-to-walk ratio,and 45 strikeouts over 33.1 innings of work.

That volatility has kept most analysts from making their predictions about what may or may not go down at the trade deadline. What teams will be sellers? Who’ll be on the move? It’s anybody’s guess.

But even though some teams could still turn the page and get hot before the deadline, chances are that some of the best players in the league will find a new home. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 3 best trade deadline candidates as of now.

MLB Rumors: The 3 Best Trade Deadline Candidates

Frankie Montas

Somehow, Frankie Montas managed to survive the Oakland Athletics’ offseason roster overhaul. But he’s still been linked to multiple teams since the start of the season, and it’s just a matter of who’s going to pay what the A’s want in return for him.

While never the most consistent hurler, Montas’ past two seasons have been quite solid. He’s got a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 4and could provide a huge boost for a championship-caliber rotation.

Willson Contreras

Willson Contreras and the Chicago Cubs weren’t on the same page on a contract extension and will head to arbitration. But regardless of the outcome, their struggles and Yan Gomes’ presence make us think that he’s going through his last days at Wrigley Field.

While not many teams need an upgrade at the catcher position, Contreras is one of the best offensive players at that spot and should come at a huge discount as he’s going to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Luis Castillo

Luis Castillo struggled in the first half of last season before going back to his dominant form after the All-Star break. He started this year in the IL and is slowly working his way back into elite form again.

The Cincinnati Reds won’t compete for years to come. Castillo’s numbers aren’t exactly impressive right now, but he’s got the potential to be one of the most dominant pitchers in all of baseball.

That means that the trade deadline can’t come soon enough for every single team in the league. Whether they’re leading their division or sitting at the bottom, everybody’s trying to make a move.

Even though it’s still early, some teams seem ready to give up on the season already. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at the three best players who could be on the movesooner rather than later.

MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Players That Could Be Traded Soon

3. David Price

David Price will go down as one of the worst acquisitions in Los Angeles Dodgers history. He’s entering the final year of his huge contract and has already been sent to the IL. And even when healthy, it seems like there’s no place for him in the rotation.

But given his experience and the fact that he’s on an expiring deal, he couldstill be a target for desperate teams. He’s a proven lefty and doesn’t mind starting or serving as a swingman, so multiple teams could reach out once he’s healthy.

2. Dominic Smith

Dominic Smith is one of the most versatile players in the game, yet the New York Mets may not need him. They have Marck Canha, Pete Alonso, and Robinson Canó in LF, 1B, and DH; respectively.

While he hasn’t lived up to his potential, he’s just 26 years old and on a very team-friendly deal ($4 million with 3 years left in his contract). Multiple teams could be interested in making him an everyday player.

1. Willson Contreras

The Chicago Cubs traded most of their World Series-winning core last season. They didn’t reach out to Willson Contreras about a contract extension, and they signed Yan Gomes in the offseason. If that doesn’t shout ‘trade candidate,’ then I don’t know what will.

Contreras is one of the best backstops in the game. He’s improved his pitch-framing on a yearly basis and won’t be an offensive liability like most of his colleagues. Also, he’s on an expiring deal, so we don’t expect him to finish the season at Wrigley Field.