The Cubs and Ryan Dempster agreed to a four-year contract on Tuesday.

Published reports said the new contract is worth at least $52 million. The signing secures the free agent right-hander's services through 2012.

Dempster went 17-6 with a 2.96 ERA for the Cubs last season after returning to the rotation on a full-time basis for the first time since 2002.  He finished in the top seven in the National League in wins, ERA, and strikeouts and made the All-Star team for the first time since 2000.

He set a career high and tied for third in the National League in wins, ranked fourth in the league in ERA and was third with a .227 batting average against. He also allowed only 14 home runs in 206 2/3 innings and turned in 21 quality starts, tied with Ted Lilly for most on the team.

This is a key move by the Cubs, as they return one of their best starters and keep intact their top three guys in the rotation.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?