3 Ways the Red Sox Can Shed Payroll Without Trading Mookie Betts

The Boston Red Sox made the first true splash of MLB's 2019 offseason when they introduced Chaim Bloom as their new general manager. While there's no doubting that it was a great hire, it's time for the former Rays VP of Baseball Operations to get down to business.

The first issue he must address is to get Boston's payroll, which was, far and away, the highest in the league last season, under the luxury tax threshold for 2020.

Following the news of JD Martinez deciding to not opt out of his contract, let's explore a few avenues that Bloom can travel down to ignite that process WITHOUT trading superstar outfielder Mookie Betts.

3. Deal Jackie Bradley Jr

Bradley Jr is fan favorite in Beantown, and for good reason. He's arguably the best defensive center fielder in MLB and is better with the bat in his hands than most people will give him credit for. However, he is owed $11 million in 2020. With studs like Betts and Andrew Benintendi already patrolling the outfield, the Red Sox can afford to trade JBJ to shed some salary off their payroll.

2. Trade Nathan Eovaldi

Eovaldi was imperative to the Red Sox World Series run in 2018, but he is currently the sixth most expensive player on the club's payroll. The Rangers, along with Price, are also interested in acquiring Eovaldi and Bloom should seriously consider dealing the 29-year-old flamethrower if he intends on holding onto Betts and Martinez in 2020. Let's not forget that Eovaldi has logged a woeful 4.30 ERA over eight big league seasons. He's simply not worth his dues.

1. Trade David Price

The Texas Rangers are reportedly interested in trading for Price, and Bloom should absolutely get them on the phone as soon as possible. Price still has $96 million remaining on the seven-year, $217 million contract he signed with Boston prior to 2016. If trying to deal the injury prone left-hander to a team willing to swallow his salary isn't a surefire way to shed payroll, we don't know what is.