Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster exercised his one year option and will return to the Windy City next season. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, file)David J. Phillip, file/The Associated Press
Chicago Cubs starter Ryan Dempster had expressed enthusiasm for the arrival of Theo Epstein and backed that up Saturday when he exercised his one-year player option, the club announced.
Dempster will earn $14-million by exercising the option, which the Cubs announced via Twitter.
The right-hander had a disappointing season in 2011, going 10-14 with a 4.80 ERA, but had recently expressed optimism about returning to Chicago with Epstein in charge as the president of baseball operations.
"I love being a Chicago Cub, and I want to be here for the rest of my career," Dempster said last week in an interview with ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "I'm happy that Theo is going to be in charge now and (am) really looking forward and excited (about) getting an opportunity to talk with him."
Dempster, who joined the Cubs in 2004, has a 112-116 record in 14 seasons overall with a 4.41 ERA.