After a productive offseason that saw the Baltimore Orioles make multiple improvements to their roster, the team ha snow addressed their biggest remaining need by signing outfielder Ramón Laureano. Laureano’s addition provides a crucial right-handed bat in the outfield, but the Orioles’ rotation still lacks the depth they’ll need to compete in the juggernaut American League East division. With the market offering limited options for meaningful upgrades, one potential move that makes sense could be a reunion with left-handed starter John Means.
The Orioles just filled their last glaring need by signing Ramón Laureano to provide some right-handed balance in the outfield,” writes The Athletic’s Chad Jennings. “The market doesn’t offer meaningful upgrades to their rotation, and their bullpen is more or less full, but a reunion with Means — who underwent Tommy John surgery last summer — would bring back a former All-Star and begin building depth for next season.”
Orioles Could Reunite with Former All-Star John Means for Rotation Depth
Means, the 31-year-old left-hander, has been a significant figure in Baltimore’s rotation since his 2019 All-Star season. However, his career has been marred by injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries—one in May 2022 and another in June 2024—which have limited his recent appearances. Despite these setbacks, Means has demonstrated effectiveness when healthy, boasting a 2.75 ERA and 0.860 WHIP over 5.1 innings per start between 2022 and 2024.
A reunion would not only bring back a proven arm to help build rotation depth for next season but also allow the Orioles to bring a familiar face back into the fold. While the team has a bullpen that’s more or less set, adding Means back into the rotation could provide stability, particularly as he works his way back from injury. It could benefit the Orioles both in the short and long term, as Means regains his full form and contributes to a team that is building momentum toward future success.
Means’ Recovery Timeline and Potential Role with the Orioles
Means’ future with the Orioles is uncertain, but there may be an opportunity for a reunion. He underwent his first Tommy John surgery, making a brief return in September 2023, starting four games. However, elbow soreness kept him off the Orioles’ postseason roster, further complicating his road back.
Unfortunately for Means, his injury problems have limited his role in the Orioles’ emergence from their rebuild. After making just four starts in September 2023, he suffered more UCL damage that led to another extended absence. His 2024 season debut didn’t come until May 4, and once again, the lingering injury forced him to step back after just four more starts.
Given the fact that this is his second Tommy John surgery within such a short time frame, there’s a real chance that the recovery could stretch even longer. Even one setback could potentially keep Means off the mound for all of 2025.
A Possible Relief Option for the Orioles
While this timeline remains speculative due to the lack of detailed information about Means’ recovery process, a quicker return could be possible if the Orioles opt for him in a bullpen role for 2025.
For the Orioles, re-signing Means could be a practical move as they look to bolster their bullpen. With a crowded rotation depth chart, featuring Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer, Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, Means could find a clearer path to the bullpen rather than battling for a starting spot. The addition of several depth arms, including Trevor Rogers, Cade Povich, and Chayce McDermott, alongside the return of Kyle Bradish and Tyler Wells, who are recovering from their own UCL surgeries, further complicates Means’ chances of making the rotation.
For now, the ideal path for Means the Orioles is the bullpen, where he could get his feet wet before potentially returning to the rotation when fully healthy.
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