The Cleveland Guardians might not have signed or traded for an ace like many fans wanted.
That doesn’t mean they haven’t worked to develop impressive rotation depth, though.
Bringing back Shane Bieber was an important first step, and they secured two potential rotation stalwarts via trade in Luis L. Ortiz and Slade Cecconi.
Last week, they signed swingman Jakob Junis, and they could be inching closer to securing a former All-Star starter.
“Free agent pitcher John Means in advanced talks with the Guardians, sources say,” MLB reporter Chris Cotillo posted on X.
Free agent pitcher John Means in advanced talks with the Guardians, sources say.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) February 16, 2025
Means, who made the 2019 All-Star team and pitched a no-hitter in 2021, is currently rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery.
He went under the knife in June, which means he could be an option for the Guardians around September if everything goes well.
Of course, it’s important to note that there is a chance he isn’t ready to return in 2025 at all.
In all likelihood, this will be a two-year deal or a one-year contract with a club option for 2026 at the very least.
In other words, 2025 might be a lost year for Means depending on how his recovery goes.
The Guardians, however, are willing to help him rehab and reap the benefits like they did with Matthew Boyd last year.
Boyd returned in the summer of last year after TJ surgery in 2023 and became one of the most important pitchers on the Guardians in their postseason run.
The organization is hoping to recapture some of Means’ magic eventually.
After all, the changeup artist can be dominant if fully healthy.
He boasts a solid career 3.68 ERA and Cleveland’s player development department can work wonders with him.
NEXT: Shane Bieber Gets Honest About Throwing For First Time Since Injury
