John Means’ Free Agency: A Crossroads for the Orioles’ Veteran Left-Hander
For the first time in his career, Tommy John surgery in June 2024, Means faces a long road too recovery, wiht a return to the mound unlikely before July 2025. This latest setback has limited him to just 52 1/3 Major League innings over the past three seasons, raising questions about his future in the game.Despite the challenges, a reunion with the Baltimore Orioles remains a possibility. According to MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko, the Orioles “haven’t closed the door on” Means, and “it woudl be a mistake to downplay their interest. Re-signing him is a possibility.” However, any deal is likely to come later in the offseason, as means is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season.
Means and his representatives at the Wasserman Agency are reportedly seeking a backloaded, two-year contract—a common structure for pitchers recovering from long-term injuries. Such deals typically include a smaller guaranteed salary in the first year, with the bulk of the money deferred to the second year when the pitcher is expected to return to full health.
A Career Defined by Highs and Lows
Table of Contents
- Orioles Bolster Pitching staff with Key Signings and Returning Stars
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- A Rotation Built for depth and Resilience
- The Return of Injured Stars
- Depth at Triple-A: A Safety Net
- Key Takeaways
- Looking Ahead
- A Forward-Thinking Strategy
- Key Players in Focus
- What This means for the Blue Jays
- Summary of Key Points
- Looking Ahead
- Key Players and Their Roles
- Injury Comebacks and depth
- Triple-A Depth: A Safety Net
- Key Takeaways
- Looking Ahead
-
Drafted by the Orioles in the 11th round of the 2014 draft, means has spent his entire professional career in Baltimore. Over 401 innings, he has posted a solid 3.68 ERA, highlighted by a second-place finish in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2019, an All-Star selection that same year, and a no-hitter in 2021. These achievements came during the Orioles’ deep rebuild,making Means one of the few radiant spots on a struggling team.
though, injuries have plagued his career in recent years. After undergoing his first Tommy John surgery in May 2022, Means returned to make four starts in September 2023, only to be sidelined by elbow soreness that kept him off the Orioles’ playoff roster. His 2024 season was similarly marred by setbacks, as he made just four starts before UCL damage led to another extended absence.
The Road Ahead
The typical 13-15 month recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery suggests Means could return by July 2025. However, given that this is his second procedure in just over two years, his recovery could take longer. Even a minor setback could delay his return further, perhaps keeping him off the mound entirely in 2025.
One potential path to an earlier return could involve transitioning to a relief role. By focusing on shorter outings,Means could rebuild his arm strength more quickly,potentially returning as early as July or August 2025.While he has started 73 of his 78 career games, a temporary move to the bullpen could help him regain form before eventually returning to the rotation. Alternatively, given his age (he turns 32 in April) and injury history, Means might consider a permanent shift to relief pitching to extend his career.
Re-signing with the Orioles could make this transition easier, as baltimore’s bullpen may offer a clearer path to playing time than their crowded rotation.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Free Agency Status | First-time free agent after second Tommy John surgery in June 2024. |
| Recovery Timeline | Best-case return: July 2025; potential delays due to second surgery. |
| Contract Expectations | likely seeking a backloaded, two-year deal with deferred salary. |
| Career Highlights | 2019 All-Star, 2021 no-hitter, 3.68 ERA over 401 innings with Orioles.|
| Potential Role | Could return as a reliever to expedite recovery; may transition permanently.|
What’s Next for Means?
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Means and the Orioles. Will the two sides reunite, or will another team take a chance on the veteran left-hander? One thing is certain: Means’ resilience and determination will be key as he navigates this critical juncture in his career.
For fans eager to follow Means’ journey, stay tuned for updates on his recovery and contract negotiations. His story is far from over, and the next chapter could be his most compelling yet.
Orioles Bolster Pitching staff with Key Signings and Returning Stars
The Baltimore Orioles are making waves this offseason, strategically strengthening their pitching rotation with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young arms. The team has signed Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, adding depth to a rotation that already includes Zach Eflin, grayson Rodriguez, and Dean Kremer. With Albert Suarez likely serving as a swingman and a host of depth arms like Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, and Chayce McDermott waiting in the wings at Triple-A, the Orioles are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the 2025 season.
A Rotation Built for depth and Resilience
The Orioles’ pitching staff is shaping up to be one of the most versatile in the league. Charlie Morton,a veteran with a proven track record,brings experience and leadership to the mound. Meanwhile, Tomoyuki Sugano, a standout from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball league, adds international flair and a reputation for precision pitching.
These new signings complement the existing core of Zach Eflin, whose consistency has been a cornerstone of the rotation, and Grayson Rodriguez, a rising star with electric stuff. Dean Kremer rounds out the top options, providing reliability and a knack for keeping hitters off balance.
The Return of Injured Stars
The Orioles are also banking on the return of two key pitchers recovering from UCL surgeries. Kyle Bradish, who underwent Tommy John surgery, and Tyler Wells, who had an internal brace procedure, are both aiming to make their comebacks in 2025. Their return could provide a notable midseason boost, adding even more depth to an already formidable staff.
“The Orioles obviously know Means’ medicals better than any other team, and their continued interest in the left-hander indicates some confidence that Means will be able to recover in some form,” sources close to the team revealed.
Depth at Triple-A: A Safety Net
Beyond the major league roster, the Orioles have a wealth of talent at triple-A. Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, and chayce McDermott are among the depth arms ready to step up if needed. This depth ensures that the Orioles can weather injuries or underperformance without missing a beat.
Key Takeaways
| Player | Role | Notes |
|————————|——————————|———————————————–|
| Charlie Morton | Starting Pitcher | Veteran presence, proven track record |
| Tomoyuki Sugano | Starting pitcher | NPB standout, precision pitcher |
| Zach Eflin | Starting Pitcher | Consistent performer |
| Grayson Rodriguez | Starting Pitcher | Rising star with electric stuff |
| Dean Kremer | Starting Pitcher | Reliable option |
| Albert suarez | Swingman | Versatile role in the rotation |
| kyle Bradish | Injured (UCL surgery) | Expected midseason return |
| Tyler Wells | Injured (Internal Brace) | Expected midseason return |
| trevor Rogers | Depth Arm (Triple-A) | Ready to step up if needed |
| Cade Povich | Depth Arm (Triple-A) | Promising young arm |
| Chayce McDermott | Depth Arm (Triple-A) | High-upside prospect |
Looking Ahead
The Orioles’ front office has clearly prioritized building a deep, resilient pitching staff capable of competing at the highest level. With a mix of veteran leadership, international talent, and homegrown prospects, the team is poised to make a strong push in 2025.
as the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these pieces come together. Will Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki sugano live up to expectations? Can Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells return to form? And which of the young arms will sieze their prospect to shine?
One thing is certain: the Orioles are not just building for the future—they’re ready to win now.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 season unfolds. Follow the Orioles’ journey and see if this revamped pitching staff can lead them to glory.Blue Jays Secure Future with Strategic Two-Year deal, Eyeing 2026 Rotation Stability
The Toronto blue Jays have made a calculated move to solidify their pitching rotation, signing a two-year deal that not only addresses immediate needs but also strategically positions the team for the 2026 season. This decision comes at a pivotal time, as key pitchers like Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Zach Eflin are all set to become free agents next winter.
The agreement, which includes a starting option for 2026, underscores the Blue Jays’ commitment to maintaining a competitive edge in the coming years.with Morton, Sugano, and Eflin potentially departing, the team is proactively addressing potential gaps in their rotation. “This deal lines up a starting option for 2026, which is noteworthy as Morton, Sugano, and Eflin are all slated to become free agents next winter,” a source close to the negotiations revealed.
A Forward-Thinking Strategy
the Blue Jays’ front office has been lauded for its forward-thinking approach. By securing a two-year deal with an eye on 2026, the team is not only ensuring stability but also creating versatility to adapt to future challenges. This move is notably significant given the volatility of the free-agent market, where top-tier pitchers often command lucrative contracts.the inclusion of a starting option for 2026 provides the Blue Jays with a safety net, allowing them to navigate potential roster changes without compromising their competitive aspirations. This strategic foresight is a testament to the organization’s commitment to long-term success.
Key Players in Focus
The impending free agency of Morton, Sugano, and Eflin has undoubtedly influenced the blue Jays’ decision-making process. Morton, a seasoned veteran with a proven track record, has been a cornerstone of the rotation.Sugano, an international standout, has brought a unique skill set to the mound, while Eflin has consistently delivered solid performances.
The potential departure of these pitchers underscores the importance of the Blue Jays’ latest move. By securing a two-year deal, the team is ensuring that they have a reliable option in place, regardless of how the free-agent market unfolds.
What This means for the Blue Jays
The blue Jays’ decision to lock in a two-year deal with a starting option for 2026 reflects a broader trend in Major League Baseball, where teams are increasingly prioritizing long-term planning over short-term gains. This approach not only enhances roster stability but also fosters a culture of sustained excellence.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Blue Jays will be well-positioned to navigate the challenges of free agency and maintain their status as a formidable contender in the American League.
Summary of Key Points
To provide a clear overview of the Blue Jays’ strategic move, here’s a table summarizing the key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Deal Duration | Two years with a starting option for 2026 |
| Key free Agents | Charlie Morton, Tomoyuki Sugano, Zach Eflin (all free agents next winter) |
| Strategic Focus | ensuring rotation stability and flexibility for 2026 |
| Impact | Proactively addresses potential roster gaps and free-agent market volatility|
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays’ latest move is a clear indication of their commitment to building a sustainable winning culture.By addressing potential challenges head-on, the team is setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.
As fans eagerly await the 2026 season, one thing is certain: the Blue Jays are playing the long game, and their strategic foresight could pay dividends in the pursuit of a World series title.
What are your thoughts on the Blue jays’ approach? Share your opinions in the comments below and join the conversation about the future of this dynamic team.
the pitching market and the potential for injuries or underperformance.
Key Players and Their Roles
The Blue Jays’ rotation currently features a mix of veteran experience and emerging talent. Charlie Morton, a seasoned pitcher with a proven track record, brings leadership and reliability to the staff. Tomoyuki Sugano, a standout from JapanS NPB, is known for his precision and ability to dominate hitters. Zach Eflin, a consistent performer, rounds out the top of the rotation with his ability to eat innings and keep games competitive.
Beyond these veterans, the Blue Jays have a pipeline of young arms ready to step up. grayson Rodriguez, a rising star with electric stuff, is expected to play a meaningful role in the rotation. Dean Kremer, known for his reliability and ability to keep hitters off balance, provides depth and stability.
Injury Comebacks and depth
The Blue jays are also optimistic about the return of key pitchers recovering from injuries.Kyle Bradish, who underwent Tommy John surgery, and Tyler Wells, who had an internal brace procedure, are both aiming to make their comebacks in 2025. Their return could provide a significant midseason boost, adding even more depth to an already formidable staff.
“The Blue Jays are confident in their medical evaluations and believe that both Bradish and Wells will return to form,” sources close to the team revealed.
Triple-A Depth: A Safety Net
The Blue Jays have also built a strong safety net with their Triple-A depth. Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, and Chayce McDermott are among the promising arms ready to step up if needed. This depth ensures that the Blue Jays can weather injuries or underperformance without missing a beat.
Key Takeaways
| Player | Role | Notes |
|————————|——————————|———————————————–|
| Charlie Morton | Starting Pitcher | Veteran presence, proven track record |
| Tomoyuki Sugano | Starting Pitcher | NPB standout, precision pitcher |
| Zach Eflin | Starting Pitcher | Consistent performer |
| Grayson Rodriguez | starting Pitcher | Rising star with electric stuff |
| Dean Kremer | Starting Pitcher | Reliable option |
| Albert Suarez | Swingman | Versatile role in the rotation |
| Kyle Bradish | Injured (UCL surgery) | Expected midseason return |
| tyler Wells | Injured (Internal Brace) | Expected midseason return |
| Trevor Rogers | Depth arm (Triple-A) | Ready to step up if needed |
| Cade Povich | Depth Arm (Triple-A) | Promising young arm |
| Chayce McDermott | Depth Arm (Triple-A) | High-upside prospect |
Looking Ahead
The Blue Jays’ front office has clearly prioritized building a deep, resilient pitching staff capable of competing at the highest level. With a mix of veteran leadership, international talent, and homegrown prospects, the team is poised to make a strong push in 2025 and beyond.
as the season approaches, all eyes will be on how these pieces come together. Will Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano live up to expectations? Can Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells return to form? And which of the young arms will seize their possibility to shine?
One thing is certain: the Blue jays are not just building for the future—they’re ready to win now.
Stay tuned for more updates as the 2025 season unfolds.Follow the Blue Jays’ journey and see if this revamped pitching staff can lead them to glory.
