Breaking: Guardians Finalize Deal for John Means – Is He The Missing Piece
The Guardians officially signed John Means to a one-year deal on February 19, giving Cleveland a former All-Star. However, Means — who’s set to miss at least a healthy chunk of 2025 — hasn’t pitched much since the start of 2022.
A Look at Means
Former Oriole pitcher John Means was a bright spot for Baltimore during their rebuild from 2019-21. The former 11th-round pick became an AL All-Star during his first full season in 2019 and stuck around despite having his name often circulated in trade rumors.
However, Means never got a chance to pitch for the Orioles much once the team got back on track.
He underwent Tommy John surgery twice over three years and threw less than 50 innings between 2022-24. Still, despite the multiple surgeries, there’s reason to be intrigued about Means. Simply, because he was one of the more underrated arms years ago.
The 31-year-old generally commands the ball well and limits walks, with BB% less than 5% in all but one season.
The new Guardian boasts a very strong 19.6” IVB on the four-seamer, needed given the 31-year-old doesn’t have eye-popping velocity. Generally, Means sits in the 89-91 MPH range.
Means can make that fastball play up even more with the changeup, his primary secondary offering. It sits in the low-80s, around eight to nine MPH slower than the four-seamer.
Additionally, the left-hander uses two breaking balls, a slider, and a slower knuckle-curve. The latter is a good change-of-pace option, one with good break (as indicated on the chart below) with up-and-down action.
Means, given his high-carry four-seamer, likes to pitch up in the zone. Which, can lead to home run problems. The ex-Oriole conceded 30 home runs and a high 10.1% Barrel% in 2021, his last healthy season. Two years earlier, Means gave up 23 home runs over 155 frames.
However, don’t expect Means to be on Cleveland’s Opening Day roster. The 31-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2024, meaning he’s likely not an option until at least August. But when he returns, Means could join a rotation that’s likely to include Shane Bieber at some point, plus Tanner Bibee, Luis Ortiz, Gavin Williams, and Joey Cantillo.
Per reports, the Guardians signed John Means to a one-year deal with a club option for 2026
Analysis
The Guardians made a similar move last year, in midseason, when the team picked up Matthew Boyd on a one-year deal. Boyd, like Means, had significant success as a left-hander but also dealt with injuries. The ex-Tiger — now a Chicago Cub — provided a spark late last season and Means is capable of doing the same.
Granted, Means is a different pitcher; the 31-year-old is a heavy fastball/changeup pitcher, doesn’t throw as hard compared to Boyd, and unlike the latter, doesn’t utilize a sinker.
Given what Means has in his arsenal and what he accomplished, this isn’t a bad pickup — when he’s healthy. And if Means can stay on track and possibly come back by August or even September, he could provide a similar boost as Boyd did in 2024.
Should Means not return in 2025, the club option does provide additional security for the ex-Oriole.
With Spring Training games set to get underway beginning on February 20, make sure to check out our list of non-roster invitees to look out for during the spring.
