Ryan Dempster

Team Tenures and Performance

Florida Marlins (1998 to 2002)
Dempster made his MLB debut on May 23, 1998, working two innings of relief against the Pittsburgh Pirates and allowing three earned runs. He earned his first career win on June 28, 1998, against the Boston Red Sox, allowing only one run over seven innings. His breakout season came in 2000 when he posted a 13-10 record with a 3.66 ERA in 33 starts, including two complete games and one shutout. On May 7, 2000, he threw a one-hit shutout against the New York Mets, a dominant performance that highlighted his potential. He was selected to the 2000 National League All-Star team, his first such honour. Over the next two seasons, his performance regressed slightly to a 20-20 record with a 4.88 ERA before the Marlins traded him to the Cincinnati Reds on July 11, 2002, for outfielders Juan Encarnación and Wilton Guerrero and pitcher Ryan Snare.

Cincinnati Reds (2002 to 2003)
Acquired by the Reds in a mid-season trade, Dempster struggled with consistency, posting a 5-5 record and a 6.19 ERA in 15 starts during the second half of 2002. The 2003 season was marred by injury and ineffectiveness, as he made 20 starts and two relief appearances, compiling a 3-7 record and a 6.54 ERA. His time in Cincinnati ended abruptly when he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in August 2003, causing him to miss the remainder of that season and much of the next. The Reds released him after the season, making him a free agent and setting the stage for his revival with a National League rival.

Chicago Cubs (2004 to 2012) Signing with the Cubs on January 21, 2004, Dempster rehabbed from his surgery and returned to the majors on August 1, appearing in 23 games exclusively out of the bullpen. He recorded his first major league save on September 15, 2004, against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 2005, after six starts, he was permanently moved to the closer role, replacing LaTroy Hawkins and collecting 33 saves in 35 opportunities for the best save percentage in the league that year. He is the only Cub and one of just three players ever to both start a game and collect 30 saves in the same season. On October 1, 2005, the Cubs signed him to a $15.5 million contract extension through 2008.

During 2008 spring training, manager Lou Piniella moved Dempster back into the starting rotation, with the closer job going to Kerry Wood. On May 15, 2008, he recorded a career-high 12 strikeouts in a game, and on July 8, he became the first Cubs pitcher in 31 seasons to start 10-0 at home. Following this career year, he re-signed with the Cubs for four years and $52 million. He remained a durable starter for the next four seasons, posting records of 11-9 in 2009, 15-12 in 2010, and 10-14 in 2011, making at least 31 starts each year. On July 31, 2012, the Cubs traded Dempster to the Texas Rangers for minor league prospects Christian Villanueva and Kyle Hendricks.

Texas Rangers (2012)
Ryan Dempster was traded to the Texas Rangers on July 31, 2012, at the trade deadline. He made his debut for the Rangers on August 2, 2012. Dempster made 12 starts for Texas, finishing with a 7-3 record and a 5.09 ERA. Over 69 innings pitched with the Rangers, he recorded 70 strikeouts.

Boston Red Sox (2013)
Signing a two-year, $26.5 million deal with Boston, Dempster's 2013 season was memorable for a controversial incident on August 18 where he hit New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez with a pitch, resulting in a five-game suspension. He finished the regular season with an 8-9 record and a 4.57 ERA in 29 starts and 32 total appearances. Dempster was part of the 25-man active roster for the postseason, making three scoreless relief appearances. He earned a World Series ring when the Red Sox defeated the St. Louis Cardinals in six games, capturing his first championship title.

Career Statistics and Pitching Style

Dempster was a five-pitch pitcher, utilizing a varied arsenal to keep hitters off balance. His fastballs, both four-seam and two-seam, averaged about 90 miles per hour, while his cutter sat in the high 80s. He favoured his mid-80s slider, especially against right-handed hitters, and used a low-80s splitter as a change-of-pace offering. He was known for a distinctive and prolonged wiggle of his glove during his windup, a mannerism he stated was intended to prevent tipping his pitches. Dempster led all National League starting pitchers in 2008 by throwing his slider 32.9 percent of the time. A notable statistical quirk from his 2008 season was his major league-leading total of 19 sacrifice hits, demonstrating his ability as a batter to advance runners.

Post-Playing Career and Broadcasting

Dempster announced in February 2014 that he would not pitch or engage in baseball activities for the entire year, citing a desire to spend time with his family. The Red Sox placed him on the reserve/retired list, forgoing their obligation to pay his $13.25 million salary for the season. He made his retirement official on October 8, 2014. Shortly after, on December 5, 2014, he joined the Chicago Cubs front office as a special assistant to president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer. His media career began concurrently, as he was hired by MLB Network as a studio analyst on April 22, 2014. In 2020, Dempster joined the newly launched Marquee Sports Network, the regional broadcast home of the Cubs, where he serves as both a studio and game analyst. He remains a visible and popular figure in Chicago baseball media, providing insight drawn from his lengthy playing career.

Personal Life, Character and Advocacy

Dempster is widely known for his laid-back attitude, constant joking with fans and teammates, and his reputation as a positive contribution to any clubhouse. His fun and easy-going personality was famously illustrated in March 2007 when he told an Arizona newspaper that if his closing career began to tumble, he would pursue ninja training. He is married and has children. In early June 2009, Dempster released a public statement explaining that his daughter, Riley, had been born with DiGeorge syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. He made the announcement to help raise awareness for the genetic condition, which affects about one in 1,800 births and can involve up to 186 potential symptoms related to swallowing, breathing, and speech. Dempster noted that after roughly two months in the hospital, Riley was able to go home and that early developmental signs were positive, expressing hope that she would lead a normal life.

Honours and Recognition

Ryan Dempster received several accolades throughout his baseball career, recognizing his on-field performance and his character. His achievements reflect his status as one of Canada's most successful major league pitchers of his era. He was named one of the 99 "Good Guys" in professional sports by The Sporting News, an award highlighting his positive interaction with fans and media. His participation in the NHL All-Star Celebrity Challenge on January 30, 2002, demonstrated his crossover appeal as a Canadian sports personality. The table below summarizes key statistical seasons from his career, illustrating his peak performance years.

• National League All-Star: 2000, 2008.
• World Series Champion: 2013 with the Boston Red Sox.
• Tip O'Neill Award: 2000, awarded annually to the Canadian baseball player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution.
• The Sporting News "Good Guys" List: Named one of 99 professional athletes recognized for their character.
• BC Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted on May 31, 2018.
• NHL All-Star Celebrity Challenge: Participated on January 30, 2002.

International Play and Final Competitive Outings

Dempster represented Canada on the international stage, pitching for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In January 2017, he announced his intention to come out of retirement to pitch for his national team. He started two games for Canada during the tournament, but his outings were brief and difficult. In total, he pitched only two and one-third innings and gave up seven earned runs. His participation, despite the results, demonstrated his continued commitment to Canadian baseball and provided a final, formal conclusion to his competitive pitching career nearly three years after his MLB retirement. This appearance followed his earlier involvement in other celebrity sporting events, rounding out his profile as an athlete who embraced opportunities to represent his country.

Questions about Ryan Dempster

What teams did Ryan Dempster play for in MLB?

Ryan Dempster played for five Major League Baseball teams over his 16-year career. He began with the Florida Marlins (1998 to 2002), then played for the Cincinnati Reds (2002 to 2003). His longest and most notable tenure was with the Chicago Cubs (2004 to 2012). He finished his career with brief stints for the Texas Rangers (2012) and the Boston Red Sox (2013), with whom he won a World Series championship.

Why did Ryan Dempster get suspended in 2013?

Ryan Dempster received a five-game suspension and an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball in August 2013 for intentionally hitting New York Yankees player Alex Rodriguez with a pitch. The incident occurred during a game on August 18. After throwing a pitch behind Rodriguez, Dempster's 3-0 pitch struck him on the left elbow pad. Although home plate umpire Brian O'Nora issued warnings, Dempster was not ejected. Dempster initially claimed the pitch was not intentional but admitted in August 2016 that he had indeed meant to hit Rodriguez.

What pitching records or achievements is Ryan Dempster known for?

Dempster is known for several unique achievements. He is the only Chicago Cubs player to both start a game and record 30 saves in the same season, which he did in 2005 when he notched 33 saves. In 2008, he led all major league pitchers with 19 sacrifice hits. He was a two-time National League All-Star (2000, 2008) and won the Tip O'Neill Award as Canada's top baseball player in 2000.

Did Ryan Dempster win a World Series?

Yes, Ryan Dempster won a World Series championship with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. He was part of the 25 man active roster for the postseason, making three relief appearances during that playoff run. The Red Sox defeated the St Louis Cardinals to claim the title, giving Dempster his first championship. This occurred in his final season as an active player, which he spent with Boston after signing a two year contract. He finished the 2013 regular season with an 8 9 record and a 4.57 ERA before contributing to the championship effort.

What is Ryan Dempster doing now after retirement?

After his retirement, Ryan Dempster works in baseball operations and broadcasting. He officially announced his retirement on October 8, 2014. In December 2014, he took a front office job with the Chicago Cubs as an assistant to general manager Jed Hoyer and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein. Dempster has pursued a broadcasting career. He was hired by MLB Network as a studio colour analyst in April 2014. Later, in 2020, he joined the Marquee Sports Network as a studio and game analyst for Chicago Cubs telecasts.

Where is Ryan Dempster from in Canada?

Ryan Dempster is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher. He pitched for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, starting two games for the national team. Dempster was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame on May 31, 2018, which recognizes athletes from British Columbia. This honour confirms his strong connection to Canada and his home province.

Sources and further reading

• Ryan Dempster (Wikipedia)
• About, Off The Mound (offthemound.com)
• Off The Mound with Ryan Dempster, Podcast (podcasts.apple.com)
• Former MLB All-Star Ryan Dempster Wants To Make You ... (wbur.org)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-31.