Ryan Dempster technically went out on top.
Dempster, who sat out the 2014 season after winning a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2013, will not pursue a new contract this offseason and now officially is retired, according to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com.
Dempster signed a two-year, $26.5 million contract with the Red Sox before the 2013 season. He went 8-9 with a 4.57 ERA in 32 regular-season appearances (29 starts) in his lone campaign with Boston. Dempster was expected to compete for a spot in the Red Sox’s 2014 rotation — most likely destined for a bullpen role — but announced during spring training last February his plans to sit out 2014, citing health issues and a desire to spend more time with his family. The veteran left $13.25 million in guaranteed salary on the table.
Dempster left the door open for a potential 2015 return at the time of his announcement. But it appears that door has shut following a 16-year career in which the two-time All-Star compiled a 132-133 record and 4.35 ERA. The 37-year-old, known for having an infectious personality, played for five teams — Red Sox, Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers — before reportedly calling it quits.
Dempster only made the postseason twice before arriving in Boston, failing to advance beyond the National League Division Series in either instance. He last toed the rubber in Game 1 of the 2013 World Series, striking out St. Louis Cardinals slugger Matt Adams to complete a Red Sox victory.
Photo via Michael Dwyer/Associated Press
