The Boston Red Sox are engaged in “serious discussions” with
veteran right-hander Ryan Dempster, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Source: #RedSox, Dempster in serious discussions. No deal yet; still possible he could sign elsewhere.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 12, 2012
Rosenthal adds that no deal has been agreed upon and there’s
still a possibility Dempster signs elsewhere this winter.
Dempster has already turned down a two-year, $25 million
offer from the Red Sox. The 35-year-old is seeking a three-year commitment, and
he’s likely holding out for the best offer he can get as this figures to be the
final big contract of his career.
Dempster was one of the best pitchers in baseball over the
first half of the season as a member of the Chicago Cubs, posting an ERA and
WHIP of 2.25 and 1.038 over his first 16 starts.
However, his value dropped, especially in the eyes of
American League clubs, over the second half of the year once he was dealt to
the Texas Rangers. Over 12 starts with Texas Dempster only mustered an ERA and
WHIP of 5.09 and 1.435.
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