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The Cubs and Braves agreed Monday on a trade that will send right-hander Ryan Dempster, the Major League ERA leader, to Atlanta, a source confirmed to MLB.com.
Highly regarded rookie right-hander Randall Delgado could potentially head to Chicago in return.
The 35-year-old Dempster, who totes a 2.11 ERA, is in the final season of a four-year, $52 million contract and can be a free agent after the season. The two-time All-Star has won 10 or more games in each of the past four seasons and is 5-4 this year. He has recorded a quality start in 10 of his 15 outings and has surrendered more than four runs in just one appearance.
The Braves signed Delgado, a native of Panama, as an amateur free agent in 2006. The 22-year-old is 4-9 with a 4.42 ERA.
The Cubs, 38-56 entering Monday's action, are expected to be major sellers before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Atlanta, on the other hand, sits 3 1/2 games behind Washington for the National League East lead. The teams split a four-game set at Nationals Park over the weekend. The Braves hold a half-game edge over the Dodgers for the second NL Wild Card spot.
Earlier this season, Atlanta lost promising young starter Brandon Beachy to Tommy John elbow surgery. The 25-year-old had posted a 5-5 record and 2.00 ERA in 13 starts prior to being shelved for the year. Atlanta recently took a flier on veteran Ben Sheets, who has delivered a pair of scoreless, victorious outings since joining the staff.
Highly regarded rookie right-hander Randall Delgado could potentially head to Chicago in return.
The 35-year-old Dempster, who totes a 2.11 ERA, is in the final season of a four-year, $52 million contract and can be a free agent after the season. The two-time All-Star has won 10 or more games in each of the past four seasons and is 5-4 this year. He has recorded a quality start in 10 of his 15 outings and has surrendered more than four runs in just one appearance.
The Braves signed Delgado, a native of Panama, as an amateur free agent in 2006. The 22-year-old is 4-9 with a 4.42 ERA.
The Cubs, 38-56 entering Monday's action, are expected to be major sellers before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. Atlanta, on the other hand, sits 3 1/2 games behind Washington for the National League East lead. The teams split a four-game set at Nationals Park over the weekend. The Braves hold a half-game edge over the Dodgers for the second NL Wild Card spot.
Earlier this season, Atlanta lost promising young starter Brandon Beachy to Tommy John elbow surgery. The 25-year-old had posted a 5-5 record and 2.00 ERA in 13 starts prior to being shelved for the year. Atlanta recently took a flier on veteran Ben Sheets, who has delivered a pair of scoreless, victorious outings since joining the staff.
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