Sources: Braves close to deal for Dempster

Updated: July 23, 2012, 2:14 PM ET

ESPN.com news services

The Atlanta Braves are close to acquiring pitcher Ryan Dempster in a trade with the Chicago Cubs, sources told ESPN.com.

The Braves and Cubs have been working on the deal that could be completed as early as Monday afternoon, sources said.

Dempster, 35, is in the final year of his contract with the Cubs and widely is considered one of the top starting pitchers available in the trade market. The right-hander leads the majors with a 2.11 ERA and recently reeled off a streak of 33 consecutive scoreless innings.