John Means He’s a free agent for the first time in his career, although the left-hander hit the open market shrouded in uncertainty following Tommy John surgery last June. This is the second time Means has had TJ surgery in a little over two years, limiting him to 52 1/3 innings in the majors from 2022-24.
Despite the shaky health, a reunion with the Orioles still seems possible. Roch Kubatko of MASNsports.com wrote that the O’s “haven’t closed the door” on Means and “downplaying their interest would be a mistake. Re-signing him is a possibility. That interest may not be forthcoming anytime soon.” That translates into a contract in the future, as it’s expected that Means will only be able to land a deal later in the offseason given that he’ll miss most or all of the 2025 season.
Means and his representatives at Wasserman’s agency are likely looking for a two-year deal, which has become the standard for pitchers returning from long-term injuries. In this type of deal, the pitcher typically receives a small amount of guaranteed salary in the first year, but only if most or all of the season will be spent rehabbing, with more guaranteed money when the pitcher hopes to be healthy and ready to play. Will give back to the second year.
Means, an 11th-round pick in the 2014 draft out of Baltimore, has worn an Orioles uniform his entire career, posting a 3.68 ERA in 401 innings in the orange and black. Means’ tenure was highlighted by a second-place finish in American League Rookie of the Year voting in 2019, an All-Star selection that same season and a no-hitter in 2021. Obtained.
Unfortunately for Means, his injury issues have kept him from playing a major role in the Orioles’ rebuilding process. He underwent his first Tommy John surgery in May 2022 and returned in time to make four starts in September 2023, but elbow soreness kept him from making Baltimore’s playoff roster. He didn’t make his first start of the 2024 season until May 4, and Means went on to make four more starts before the UCL injury again led to another lengthy layoff.
Tommy John surgery typically requires a 13-15 month recovery period, so July 2025 is the best-case scenario for Means’ return date. Of course, the fact that this is his second TJ surgery (and in such a short period of time) will likely push Means to the longer end of the projected timeline, and even a setback could keep him out of the running altogether. Major League Baseball pitcher’s mound.
This is pure speculation given the lack of details regarding Means’ rehab process, but if he plans to return as a reliever during the 2025 season, a quicker return to the majors is possible. Means could focus on playing an inning or two at most, rather than rebuilding the arm strength needed for a starter’s workload to be ready for July or August. Means has started 73 of 78 career games and will likely return to the starting lineup the rest of the way once he knocks off some of the rust with a few bench appearances in 2025. Ens turns 32 in April and has such a long injury history that he might even consider moving to the bullpen full-time as a way to stay healthy and extend his career.
Re-signing with the O’s could also make relievers more of an immediate short-term option for Means, as cracking Baltimore’s bullpen may be easier than breaking into a fairly crowded rotation depth chart. Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano Signed to join this season Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguezand Dean Kramer As the starting option, Albert Suarez will likely serve as swingman, along with a couple of depth arms (Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, Chase McDermottBrandon Young) in Class 3A. Kyle Bledish and Taylor Wells They are also scheduled to return from UCL surgeries sometime in 2025, with Bradish having TJ surgery and Wells having an internal brace.
The Orioles clearly understand Means’ medical situation better than any other team, and their continued interest in the left-hander shows they are confident that Means can recover in some form. Signing Means to a two-year contract extension also sets up the starting options for 2026, which is notable since Morton, Sugano and Eflin are all scheduled to hit free agency next winter.
