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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The agent for free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster has had conversations with the Cubs about a possible return to Chicago, according to major league sources.
A source said that an offer has not been made by Cubs executives as of Wednesday, but money and length of contract has been discussed.
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Dempster, 35, was traded by the Cubs to the Texas Rangers on July 31 for two minor league players. After going a combined 12-8 with the two teams last season, Dempster is testing the free agent market.
Dempster has offers on the table for two- and three-year deals, according to a source. The Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers are said to be two teams showing the most interest in Dempster, according to another source with knowledge of the negotiations.
Although the two sides had their moments with each other before Dempster was traded at the July 31 deadline, the relationship appears unaffected by the pre-trade drama. Dempster was caught off-guard by an attempt to trade him to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher Randall Delgado a week before he was moved to Texas. He hesitated to waive his no-trade rights and the trade fell apart.
A sticking point for a return to the Cubs may be no-trade language in a contract for Dempster. The Cubs would certainly hesitate to give a no-trade clause to a veteran pitcher. Dempster and his agent will probably want some assurances he will stay in a market that he commits to in a multi-year deal.
Dempster has also pitched for the Marlins and Reds and has a 124-124 career record with a 4.33 ERA. He earned $14 million in 2012, the last season of a four-year deal.
The Cubs, who signed starters Scott Baker and Scott Feldman this offseason, are still hoping to add more pitching.
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