The last Oriole to pitch a no-hitter is going to finish his second elbow rehab in a different uniform:
“The Orioles had ample time to consider re-signing John Means, but their inaction before spring training suggests they’d moved on. Now, it appears certain that the former All-Star pitcher won’t return to Baltimore, as reports indicate he’s reached a deal with the Guardians.”
“John Means has agreed to a one-year contract with the Guardians, pending a physical. The deal includes a team option for 2026. According to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel, Means will receive a guaranteed $1 million in 2025, with the option potentially worth up to $7.5 million next year.
The signing was delayed likely because Means will start the season on the 60-day injured list, recovering from his second elbow surgery in June. This allows the Guardians to temporarily exclude him from their 40-man roster. Assuming a smooth recovery, Means is expected to return around August.”
“The Orioles’ decision to let John Means walk is a tough pill to swallow. After all he’s done for the team, pitching his heart out for some dismal Orioles squads, you’d think they’d want to give him another chance. Means deserved to be part of the team’s resurgence, to bask in the glory of a winning season.
Instead, the Orioles let him slip away to the Guardians for a contract that was hardly a stretch. Even with the risk that Means might not regain his form, $2 million is a small price to pay for loyalty and potential depth.
With a significant chunk of the rotation set to hit free agency next year, having Means in the fold would’ve provided valuable insurance. Now, the Guardians will get to decide whether to keep him around, while the Orioles are left wondering what could’ve been.”
“The Orioles’ decision to not pursue John Means can be attributed to a pragmatic assessment of his recent performance. Since 2022, Means has appeared in only ten MLB games, with just eight starts following his first Tommy John surgery. His inability to stay healthy outweighs his potential value, making it a logical choice for the Orioles to move on.”
