PHILADELPHIA – The Cliff Lee era in Philadelphia is officially over — again.
Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies declined the left hander's $27.5 million team option for 2016, and will instead pay the $12.5 million buyout, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com.
On Dec. 15, 2010, Lee returned to Philadelphia after a 364-day hiatus by signing a five year, $120 million contract. The 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner was dealt to the Seattle Mariners on Dec. 16, 2009 in exchange for three prospects no longer with the organization, Tyson Gillies, Phillippe Aumont and J.C. Ramirez.
While Lee's first stay as a Phillie peaked with his performance during Game 1 of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium, his most recent go-around never reached the potential that general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. hoped it would become.
Lee's first year back, 2011, fulfilled expectations. During the regular season, the veteran received winning decisions in 17 of his 32 starts, recorded six shutouts and posted an ERA of 2.40 to finish in third place in the National League Cy Young Award race.
In Game 2 of the 2011 National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, however, Lee was credited with a losing decision after surrendering five earned runs, despite being given a 4-0 lead after two innings of play.
From 2012-2014, Lee, 37, went just 24-22 with a 3.11 ERA. He sat out all of the 2015 season with a torn flexor tendon, an injury reportedly suffered during spring training.
Lee's career could very well be over after 13 seasons. He has not yet made a statement regarding his desire to pursue free agency this offseason.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedephia.com.
