The Baltimore Orioles have been actively seeking to strengthen their pitching rotation, especially following the departure of former ace Corbin Burnes, who signed a substantial contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In this context, discussions have emerged about the possibility of reuniting with former All-Star pitcher John Means.
John Means’ Career and Injury Challenges
John Means, a left-handed pitcher, was a standout for the Orioles, earning an All-Star selection in 2019. However, his career has been marred by significant injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries since 2022. These setbacks have limited his appearances, with Means pitching only 52.1 innings and starting 10 games over the past two seasons. citeturn0search2
Orioles’ Interest in Reuniting with Means
Despite these challenges, the Orioles have expressed interest in re-signing Means. Roch Kubatko of MASN Sports reported that the Orioles have not closed the door on Means, highlighting the positive history between the player and the team. However, Kubatko noted that a swift agreement is unlikely due to Means’ recovery from his second Tommy John surgery, suggesting that a deal may not materialize until later in the offseason. citeturn0search2
Considerations for the Orioles
The Orioles’ interest in Means reflects their commitment to bolstering their pitching staff. While Means’ injury history raises concerns, his previous performance with the team and the potential for a cost-effective contract could make him an appealing option. The Orioles may view Means as a low-risk, high-reward addition, especially if he can return to his pre-injury form.
Alternative Options
In addition to Means, the Orioles have been linked to other pitchers in free agency. Notably, MLB insider Jon Heyman suggested that the Orioles could re-sign Corbin Burnes and target another elite pitcher, such as Blake Snell, to further strengthen their rotation. citeturn0search3
