Now that the 25-man roster has been finalized and the regular season is under way, let’s take a look at the opening day 40-man roster and payroll…

40-Man Roster and Payroll
(notes on the roster can be found below the table)…

Notes on the 40-man roster projection

  • Ages are as of today.
  • There are currently 39 players on the 40-man roster.
  • If needed, both Chad Bradford and Fernando Perez could be moved to the 60-day DL to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.
  • The opening day payroll now projects to be $63.3 million, but we also need to include Rocco Baldelli’s buyout ($4 million). While not technically part of the payroll, it is a cost that cannot be ignored. That brings the projected payroll up to $67.3 million.
  • 63.3 million would have ranked the Rays 24th in payroll on opening day last year. The Rays opening day payroll in 2008 was $43.8 million.
  • 16 players will make at least $1 million this season. That number was 12 on opening day last year.

Related posts:

  1. Projected 2009 Tampa Bay Rays 40-Man Roster And Payroll
  2. [2009 TAMPA BAY RAYS] Projected 2009 Tampa Bay Rays 40-Man Roster And Payroll
  3. [2009 TAMPA BAY RAYS] Projected 2009 Tampa Bay Rays 40-Man Roster And Payroll