Left-hander John Means is nearing full recovery from Tommy John surgery but has not pitched in a major league game since May 22, 2024.
He completed seven rehabilitation outings during the final six weeks of last season, indicating progress toward a potential spring training return.
That opportunity will not come with the Cleveland Guardians.
The Guardians declined Means’ $6 million club option for the 2026 season as part of their Thursday roster moves.
“The Guardians declined John Means’ $6 million option for 2026, making him a free agent. They also outrighted five players off the roster: Kolby Allard, Ben Lively, Matt Krook, Dom Nuñez and Will Wilson. All five elected free agency. Their 40-man roster stands at 37 players,” The Athletic’s Zack Meisel posted on X.
The Guardians declined John Means' $6 million option for 2026, making him a free agent.
They also outrighted five players off the roster: Kolby Allard, Ben Lively, Matt Krook, Dom Nuñez and Will Wilson. All five elected free agency. Their 40-man roster stands at 37 players.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) November 6, 2025
Means signed a one-year contract worth $1 million last winter while recovering from surgery with hopes of returning late in the 2025 season.
Cleveland did not include him in their starting rotation after implementing a six-man setup on September 3.
The adjustment delivered strong results as the team reached the postseason behind improved performances from their starters.
Between September 3 and 28, the rotation of Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Slade Cecconi, Logan Allen, Parker Messick, and Joey Cantillo combined for a 2.16 ERA across 150 innings.
That success played a significant role in Cleveland’s decision to move forward without Means.
His attempted comeback did not progress as planned. Means posted a 7.97 ERA over 20 1/3 innings across five rehab starts with Triple-A Columbus.
Those struggles influenced the Guardians’ choice to decline his option.
The 32-year-old was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 and maintained a 3.68 ERA over seven seasons as a reliable mid-rotation arm.
Injuries have limited his availability over the past four years. He is expected to pursue minor league deals or incentive-based major league contracts this offseason.
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