Report: Cliff Lee May Pitch in 2016

PHILADELPHIA- WTXF - Cliff Lee hasn't pitched in a major league game since early in 2014, and the Phillies recently declined to exercise his option for 2016, bringing his ties with the team to an end.

But if you assumed that meant Lee's career is over, you may have been wrong: A report Thursday by CBS Sports baseball writer Jon Heyman stated that the starting pitcher is preparing to pitch next year:

The Phillies gave Lee a $12.5 million buyout last month, rather than pick up his 2016 option of $27.5 million. Lee actually had two stints in Philadelphia- he was traded to the team in July of 2009 and pitched well down the stretch for the team that reached the World Series. Traded to Seattle the following offseason, Lee returned to the Phillies for the 2011 season as a free agent.

Lee is now a free agent and free to sign with any team.