Cliff Lee did not pitch in 2015 at all due to a torn flexor tendon in his left elbow, and a similar elbow issue ended his 2014 season after 13 starts for the Philadelphia Phillies. But he received medical clearance to throw in December, with reported interest from 15 teams around that time. Since Lee asserted he would need a “perfect” situation to pitch in 2016, the market for him seems to be thinning.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, teams are shying away from Lee due to a high asking price. Cafardo’s piece suggests Lee is seeking $6-8 million with incentives on a one-year deal, and at 37 years old after sitting out the last season and half it’s no wonder teams are unwilling to meet that demand.

Lee presumably wants to pitch for a playoff contender, but it’s fair to assume most teams that fit that bill have their starting rotation options basically locked in. The Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals and Cleveland Indians could still be in the market for a starting pitcher, and all four teams could fit Lee’s personal criteria. But taking a significant risk with no upside is not a good move, and Lee is defining himself as that with excessive salary demands.

Barring a dramatic change on his end, or a rash of pitching injuries during spring training, Lee’s money demands will surely keep him off a pitching mound in any sort of official fashion. He will go down as one of the best pitchers of his era regardless, with four All-Star selections and a Cy Young Award (2008) on his resume, but Lee’s career seems likely to be over at this point.