A source close to the negotiations tells NBC Chicago's Paula Faris that Ryan Dempster has agreed to a new four-year contract with the club.
One year after holding down the role of closer, Dempster was the Cubs most consistent starting pitcher in 2008, leading the team in Wins (17), ERA (2.96) and strikeouts (187). He also started game one of the NLDS against the Dodgers.
Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry has indicated multiple times this off-season that re-signing Dempster was his top priority. Hendry will now likely turn his attention to finding a left-handed power hitter and continue discussions with the San Diego Padres on acquiring pitcher Jake Peavy.
