When the Royals turn you down, it’s probably a sign you need to drop your asking price.

According to a report on FOXSports.com, Pedro Martinez reached out to Kansas City recently, but was turned down because his $5 million asking price was too expensive. The Royals instead signed Sidney Ponson, who was impressive pitching for the Netherlands during the World Baseball Classic.

As was Martinez, pitching for the Dominican Republic team. Martinez went through, Miguel Olivo and Jose Guillen, two of his Dominican teammates, who also play for the Royals, to talk to Kansas City.

According to the report, Martinez’s friend Manny Ramirez has suggested that the one-time ace consider dropping his asking price. Ramirez’s team, the Dodgers, would likely be interested if the price fell to $1-2 million.