The long-running Ryan Dempster drama finally came to a close on Tuesday, with the Cubs trading their Opening Day starter to the Rangers just before the non-waiver deadline.
In exchange, the Cubs reportedly received two minor-leaguers, as executives Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer remake the team in their image.
In the final hours leading up to the deadline, Dempster indicated a willingness to go to the Dodgers, Yankees and Rangers and told the front office to make the best deal possible.
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This followed last weeks breakdown with the Braves, as a potential deal fell apart after it was leaked to the Atlanta media and exploded on Twitter. Dempster, who had 10-and-5 no-trade rights, didnt feel like that was the right environment to make decision, and wanted to go to Los Angeles.
At the age of 35, and in the walk year of his contract, Dempster (2.25 ERA) will now get a chance to chase a ring and market himself for free agency. After winning two consecutive pennants, Texas isnt content to just get to the World Series. From legendary team president Nolan Ryan to brothers Greg and Mike Maddux, this organization has transformed its pitching DNA.
This continues the dismantling by Epstein and Hoyer, who traded left-hander Paul Maholm and outfielder Reed Johnson to the Braves for two pitching prospects the night before.
On Tuesday morning, the Cubs officially announced the trade of catcher Geovany Soto and cash to the Rangers for Double-A pitcher Jake Brigham and a player to be named or cash.
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At 3:15 p.m., Alfonso Soriano walked out to the hitting area beyond the left-field wall at Wrigley Field in Cubs gear. This was viewed as a softer deadline for Soriano, who has no-trade rights and is owed almost 43 million through the rest of this season and the next two years combined.
Sorianos name again popped up in rumors, but that price tag makes him a virtual lock to clear waivers in August.