FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that Boston is in “serious discussions” with free-agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster.
That is obviously incredibly vague, but it’s that time of the year, so you have to go with it.
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It’s worth noting that Dempster has reportedly sought a three-year deal. The 35-year-old has also reportedly turned down an offer from the Red Sox. ESPN.com recently reported that Dempster turned down a two-year, $25 million offer from the club.
The Red Sox are familiar with Dempster, according to multiple reports that surfaced around the 2012 deadline. The club reportedly pursued a trade to acquire Dempster from the Cubs before Chicago opted to ship him to Texas.
Dempster went 12-8 last season in splitting time with the Cubs and Rangers. He posted a 3.38 ERA for the season, but he had a 5.09 ERA in his 12 starts with the Rangers.
The veteran right-hander has a 11-15 career record against American League teams in 50 career appearances (35 starts). He has a 4.63 ERA in those games, allowing more than a hit per inning.