One week before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, the Royals are expected to spend more than $110 million in payroll in 2018, a reduction of more than $30 million from last season, according to a Star analysis of the projected 25-man roster.
The number — which is likely to change in the final days before camp — represents a significant trimming after club-record payrolls during the last three seasons, including expenditures of more than $130 million in 2016 and $140 million in 2017. Yet the club’s current financial picture leaves little wiggle room as the front office continues to pursue free-agent first baseman Eric Hosmer.