Major League Baseball

Sources: Dodgers, Cubs in trade talks

Published Jul. 19, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

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The Los Angeles Dodgers have exchanged trade proposals with the Chicago Cubs this week in an effort to acquire right-handed starter Ryan Dempster, major league sources told FOXSports.com.

A source with knowledge of the Dodgers-Cubs dialogue said Friday that there is a “50/50” chance the teams will get deal done for Dempster. The teams are still discussing prospects.

The Dodgers have been considered the favorite to land Dempster for some time, but it’s not certain they will end up with him. Other teams were involved as of Thursday, one source said.

The talks with the Dodgers could "drag on a few more days," a source said. There's still time for another team to make an overwhelming offer.

Dempster, as a 10-and-5 player, has full no-trade protection and would prefer to go to the Dodgers or Atlanta Braves, in that order. The Detroit Tigers have shown interest as well.

The Braves, according to a source, had spoken only of general scenarios with the Cubs as of late Thursday night, and not yet engaged in detailed discussions.

If the Cubs trade Dempster to the Dodgers, they are likely to get one or two young arms in return;  Chicago's focus is pitching.

Dempster — the major league ERA leader at 1.86 — has been announced as the Cubs' starter for Friday night's game in St. Louis.

Many in the industry believe the Cubs would prefer to deal Dempster before he takes the mound Friday, rather than risk an injury or poor performance. Dempster, 35, recently came back from a three-week stay on the disabled list because of a lat injury.

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