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Ryan Dempster reportedly seeking 3-year deal from Cubs after turning down Red Sox

Free-agent starter Ryan Dempster has recently turned down two-year offers from the Red Sox and Royals, and may be holding out for a three-year offer from the Cubs.

By Jason Patt
Justin K. Aller

Free-agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster turned down a two-year, $25 million contract offer from the Boston Red Sox on Friday night, after recently rejecting a similar offer from the Kansas City Royals.

The former Chicago Cub is reportedly seeking a three-year deal, with the Cubs potentially being one of the teams involved in the bidding. The Milwaukee Brewers are also believed to be in the mix.

Dempster pitched nine seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Texas Rangers in July. The 35-year-old boasted a 2.25 ERA in 16 starts with the Cubs in 2012, but mostly struggled in his move to the American League. Dempster did win five starts in a row at one point, but overall, he finished with a 5.09 ERA in 12 starts with the Rangers.

Prior to 2012, Dempster had pitched in over 200 innings in four straight seasons for Chicago. Before that, he had been primarily used as a closer with the Cubs.