Former Guardians Pitcher Signs With Royals

The Cleveland Guardians already have more starting pitchers than there are spots in the rotation heading into the 2026 season. So, there was really no need to continue to wait for John Means to recover from injury.

That is likely why the Guardians declined the left-hander’s contract option as he continued to recover from Tommy John surgery. He was signed away from the Baltimore Orioles as a free agent last February, but he never pitched for Cleveland.

Now, it looks like it was an even wiser decision, as Means in December tore his Achilles tendon and is unlikely to pitch this season, either. However, another team is willing to take a chance on the former AL All-Star.

Means has signed a two-year minor league contract with the division rival Kansas City Royals.

“We have agreed to a two-year minor league contract with LHP John Means,” the Royals announced on X.

We have agreed to a two-year minor league contract with LHP John Means.

— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) February 13, 2026

Turning 33 in April, this will likely be Means’ last chance to continue his career. An All-Star in 2019, he has pitched in just 10 games since the 2021 season, having been sidelined by two Tommy John surgeries.

He was working his way back for the Guardians last season and made seven minor league rehab starts. However, he was never called up, despite manager Stephen Vogt using an unorthodox six-man rotation to deal with a difficult pennant race schedule.

Now, Vogt will likely go back to a more traditional five-man unit to open the 2026 campaign. As projected, it will be led by Gavin Williams and will include Tanner Bibee, Logan Allen, Slade Cecconi and Joey Cantillo.

So, as it stands, that would leave out Parker Messick, despite his outstanding performance during Cleveland’s historic rally to the AL Central title. It is unlikely Messick would be considered for a bullpen role, so he would go back to the minors to continue as a starter and be available if needed.

In addition, top pitching prospect Khal Stephen could make his way to the majors at some point this season, which is why the Guardians should not miss having Means as part of the organization.