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MLB Rumors: Royals among leaders for Ryan Dempster's services

The Royals remain among the teams in consideration by free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster.

By Tom Lewis

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Thearon W. Henderson

Free agent pitcher Ryan Dempster turned down two-year offers from both the Kansas City Royals and Boston Red Sox, but both teams continue trying to sign the right hander.

According to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune, the Royals, Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers are the three top teams vying for Dempster's services next season. The 35-year-old Dempster appears to be holding out for a three-year deal after turning down a two-year, $25 million offer from Boston, which was similar to an offer submitted by the Royals, according to reports.

The long-time Chicago Cubs pitcher was dealt to Texas for prospects at the trade deadline last season. Dempster finished the season with a 7-3 record in 12 starts for the Rangers with a 5.09 ERA and 70 strikeouts.

In 322 career starts, Dempster is an even 124-124 with an ERA of 4.33. Dempster is closing in on 2,000 strikeouts with 1,918 heading into the 2013 season. The Royals hope that next strikeout comes in a Kansas City uniform.