When you have JR complaining about losing money, does it even matter what the payroll is? Who knows, he could end up slashing payroll this winter. It would be incredibly dumb but it wouldn't surprise me. The guys the Sox have now seem to be who they're going to war with. Maybe some bargain bin hole filling here and there, but I wouldn't count on anymore spending. BC?(before covid) Sure. Now, not so much.
They also have money owed to the core players like Moncada, Eloy, and Robert. Those guys aren't cheap anymore. Giolito is hitting Arb 1 next year as well, as is Lopez.