Red Sox rumors: Boston targeting Ryan Dempster

The Boston Red Sox are in serious discussions with free agent right-hander Ryan Dempster, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports:

While discussions are heating up, the Red Sox haven’t reached an agreement with Dempster, and Rosenthal add there’s still a chance the right-hander signs elsewhere.

Dempster was one of the best pitchers in baseball over the first half of the season as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Over 16 starts with Chicago he maintained an ERA of 2.25.

The rebuilding Cubs then traded Dempster to the Texas Rangers in exchange for a pair of prospects; Christian Villanueva and Kyle Hendricks. He went on to struggle in Texas, posting an ERA of 5.09 over 12 starts.

Combined over 28 starts with the Cubs and Rangers Dempster finished the 2012 with an ERA of 3.38. The 36-year-old owns a career ERA of 4.33 over 15 seasons at the major league level.

Dempster has already turned down a two-year, $25 million offer from the Red Sox as the veteran is seeking at least three guaranteed years this winter. The Kansas City Royals and Milwaukee Brewers have also expressed interest in the right-hander, and it may come down to whichever team is willing to offer that third year.