Report: Ryan Dempster Doesn’t Want to Play for Braves, Instead Prefers to Join Dodgers

It seemed on Monday like Ryan Dempster would soon become a member of the Braves. Now, 24 hours later, a deal between Chicago and Atlanta is looking increasingly unlikely.

Dempster does not want to play for the Braves, according to FOXSports.com. Since Dempster has 10-5 rights (10 years of major league service and the last five with the same team), the right-hander could block a trade to Atlanta. He reportedly prefers to be sent to the Dodgers, a team closer to his native British Columbia.

Rosenthal reports that the Dodgers remain interested in Dempster, but that talks between the two teams have reached a stalemate. Atlanta, meanwhile, has reportedly made a superior offer. Also complicating matters is the fact that L.A. is reportedly going after other starting pitchers in the trade market.

Dempster is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, making it more desirable for the Cubs to move him as they continue to rebuild. The 35-year-old, who holds the best ERA among major league starters, would be a nice addition to any club, even if he doesn't ink an extension beyond this year.

Reports surfaced on Monday stating that Dempster was going to Atlanta in a deal, but the hurler later took to Twitter to deny the rumor. According to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick, Dempster even felt "blindsided" when the rumored deal was leaked.

Cubs skipper Dale Sveum blamed "the Facebook" and "the Twitter" for the whole ordeal.

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