The Cubs announced Friday that RHP Ryan Dempster had re-signed with the team so he could retire as a member of the Cubs organization. Ryan Dempster officially announced his retirement from the game and was hired to be a special assistant to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
Ryan Dempster joins former teammates Ted Lilly and Kerry Wood as Special Assistants to Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.
Ryan Dempster pitched for the Cubs for nine seasons (2004-12) and posted a 67-66 record in 374 games, 154 starts, with a 3.74 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 3.78 FIP. Dempster also saved 87 games and was a key contributor to the 2007 and 2008 teams that won the National League Central Division.
Ryan Dempster is the only pitcher in club history with more than 50 wins and 50 saves. Dempster (87) is fifth on the Cubs All-Time Saves list behind Lee Smith (180), Bruce Sutter (133), Carlos Marmol (117) and Randy Myers (112).
Ryan Dempster was a member of the National League All-Star team in 2008 and went onto post a 17-6 record in 33 starts with a 2.96 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. Dempster was traded to the Texas Rangers on July 31, 2012 for RHP Kyle Hendricks and Christian Villanueva.
The 37-year old right hander was 8-9 in 32 games, 29 starts, for the World Champion Boston Red Sox in 2013, his last full season in the majors, with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP.
Ryan Dempster ends his 16-year career with a 132-133 record in 579 games, 351 starts, with a 4.35 ERA and 1.43 WHIP. Dempster pitched for the Marlins (1998-2002), Reds (2002-03), Cubs (2004-12), Rangers (2012) and Red Sox (2013).
In his new role with the organization, Ryan Dempster will spend time with the club during Spring Training, visit the club’s minor league affiliates during the season, evaluate amateur players leading up to the draft and perform professional scouting assignments.