Late on Sunday, a report from Chris Cotillo suggested that the Cleveland Guardians were in advanced talks with free agent lefty John Means.
The southpaw is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery performed last June.
Per Zack Meisel, who covers the Guards for The Athletic, the two parties have now reached an agreement.
“Source: The Guardians are in agreement with SP John Means on a contract for 2025 that includes a club option for 2026, pending a physical. He’s expected to report to camp tomorrow. He’s recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Source: The Guardians are in agreement with SP John Means on a contract for 2025 that includes a club option for 2026, pending a physical. He's expected to report to camp tomorrow. He's recovering from Tommy John surgery.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) February 17, 2025
As expected, and given the fact he might not be a lock to return this year, the contract contains a club option for the 2026 campaign.
If the Guardians like what they see from Means and consider him fully healthy heading into 2026, they can just exercise the club option and take a longer look at him next year.
A healthy Means certainly belongs in any rotation.
He is not an ace, but as his 3.68 career ERA suggests, he can be solid with his fastball-changeup combo.
The last time Means was fully healthy for an extended period was in 2021.
That year, he posted a 3.62 ERA in 146.2 frames, with 26 walks and 134 strikeouts.
Unfortunately, he underwent his first Tommy John surgery in May 2022.
In the last three seasons combined, the talented Means has only been able to pitch 52.1 innings because of recurring elbow issues.
The Matthew Boyd experience was positive for Cleveland last year, and they are willing to take on a similar risk with Means.
This time, however, they will have the chance to bring him back in 2026 if they like what they see this year.
NEXT: Oddsmakers Not Showing Confidence In Guardians Ahead Of 2025 Season
