Cliff Lee likely to retire after ending comeback bid

Veteran left-hander Cliff Lee appears to be retiring after ending his comeback bid, according to a report from FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal. Rosenthal spoke to Lee's agent, Darek Braunecker, who expressed doubt that the lefty would ever take the mound again:

Sounds like Cliff Lee’s career is over. His agent, Darek Braunecker, told me, "We don’t anticipate him playing at this point."

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2016

Lee, 37, was said to be looking to sign a free-agent deal this winter with the hopes of returning to the major leagues for the first time since July 2014. Many clubs, including the Marlins, showed interest in the former Cy Young winner, but it appears that he has decided that his best option will be to end his 13-year career.

If this is the end of Lee's tenure in the majors, he exits with a lifetime 143-91 record and 3.52 ERA in 328 games (324 starts) with the Indians (2002-09), Phillies (2009, 2011-14), Mariners (2010) and Rangers (2010). He was a 4-time All-Star who finished within the top seven in Cy Young award voting on five occasions, including winning the award in 2008 after posting a 22-3 record and 2.54 ERA with Cleveland.

Lee appeared in the postseason in three straight seasons from 2009 to 2011, making four starts in the World Series for the Phillies (2009) and Rangers (2010). His career playoff record is 7-3 with a 2.52 ERA.