July 11, 2007
Hafner Full
FoxSports.com is reporting that Travis Hafner signed a $57 million four year extension. That's pretty good money for a designated hitter, and five million more than David Ortiz received from the Red Sox for his four year extension. Hafner's having his worst power numbers since he became a full time player, but I guess the Indians think it's just an off year. He's certainly a popular player with the fans.
Even in a down year, Hafner's .849 OPS trails only Ortiz and Sheffield among qualifying DH's. (Thome and Cust are also ahead of him if you toss in non-qualifiers.)
Given Hafner's career OPS of .965 and the overall level of recent contracts, the deal doesn't look outlandish.