When the Cubs traded starter Paul Maholm to the Atlanta Braves Monday night, that likely took them out of the running for Ryan Dempster, who was almost traded to Atlanta a week ago.

Multiple reports since then had indicated that Dempster would only approve — since he has 10-and-5 rights — a deal to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, there may now be other teams he’d be willing to go to, according to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago:

Baseball sources have confirmed to me that three teams are in play for Ryan Dempster and he will approve a deal to any of the three teams if the Cubs can agree on a suitable return in exchange for the veteran right-hander who is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have long been Dempster’s preferred destination will have to increase their offer as the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees have stepped up their pursuit over the last 48 hours. With Roy Oswalt having another poor performance on Monday evening, the Rangers have decided to upgrade their rotation and are looking at all available options including Dempster and Matt Garza.

Dempster has some familiarity with the Yankees, as their pitching coach Larry Rothschild was a longtime Cubs pitching coach, and former Cubs GM Jim Hendry is now a special assistant to Yankees GM Brian Cashman.

There are only about six hours remaining until the deadline Tuesday afternoon.