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The Boston Red Sox have expressed interest in free agent starting pitcher Ryan Dempster, according to Alex Speier of WEEI.
Dempster, 35, is reportedly seeking a three-year contract:
Dempster is not ruling out any teams on the basis of geography. While the longtime NL pitcher (he's spent all but two months of his career in the National League) has a slight preference to stay in the senior circuit, he isn't ruling out teams on the basis of that.
Dempster spent last season with the Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers after a deadline trade sent him to the American League. He dominated while in the National League, compiling a 2.25 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP in 104 innings. His time with Texas wasn't as good. He finished with a 5.09 ERA and allowed nearly 10 hits per nine innings in 12 starts.
The Red Sox are reportedly looking to sign at least one starting pitcher to help fill their rotation and build depth. Currently penciled into the staff are Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, John Lackey and Felix Doubront. The Red Sox have also told Franklin Morales, who started and pitched out of the bullpen last season, to prepare as a starter this offseason.