Right-Hander Dempster Gets Four-Year Extension With Cubs

November 18, 2008 10:44 p.m. EST

Chicago, IL (AHN) - The Chicago Cubs reached a deal with Ryan Dempster Tuesday, rewarding the right-hander with a four-year contract extension, including a club option in 2012.

The new deal gives the 17-game winner $8 million next season, $12.5 million in 2010 and $13.5 million in 2011. Dempster also stands to earn $4 million as signing bonus and $14 million if the Cubs pick up his option in 2012.

Dempster returned to his starting role last season after spending the last four years at the Cubs' bullpen.

As a starter, the 11-year veteran went 17-6 in 33 starts and finished with a 2.96 ERA, both career-high numbers.

The year before, Dempter closed 87 games over a span of four seasons with the Cubs. He was a starter earlier in his career, with Florida and Cincinnati.

In 420 games in the majors, Dempster piled up a 76-81 mark and a 4.55 ERA in 195 starts.