The deal will be worth slightly more than $50 million, sources said.

The return of Dempster would not necessarily make the Cubs less likely to trade for Padres right-hander Jake Peavy, sign free-agent lefty Randy Johnson or pursue any other player.

Their next steps likely would depend upon the wishes of the team's new ownership group, which is expected to be selected before Christmas, sources said.

Dempster, 31, went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA last season while starting full-time for the first time since 2002. He filed for free agency, but his first choice has been to remain with the Cubs.

The question with Dempster is whether he could repeat his performance of 2008, his first converting back to starting after three seasons as the Cubs' closer. He underwent elbow surgery in '03, but his only injury since then was a strained left oblique in '07.

The Cubs wanted to secure at least one starting pitcher for a rotation that already includes right-handers Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden and left-hander Ted Lilly.

The team also wants to acquire a left-handed hitting outfielder and could enter the mix for free-agent shortstop Rafael Furcal depending upon the outcome of the sale and any other additions that general manager Jim Hendry might make.

San Diego Padres News News » Sources: Cubs close to re-signing Dempster
Sources: Cubs close to re-signing Dempster
The Cubs, moving to address one of their offseason priorities, are close to re-signing free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a four-year contract, according to major-league sources. MLB Hot Stove