The Cleveland Guardians have added former Orioles ace in free agency, giving the veteran left-hander a chance to revitalize his career.
Means has been one of Baltimore’s most reliable pitchers since his breakout rookie season in 2019, when he posted a 3.60 ERA over 155 innings, earned an All-Star selection, and finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting behind Yordan Álvarez.
Originally signed by the Orioles in 2014 out of West Virginia University, Means made his MLB debut in 2018 but didn’t establish himself until the following year, when he recorded a career-high 4.4 WAR.
Despite playing through three consecutive losing seasons from 2019 to 2021, Means remained a bright spot in Baltimore’s rotation. He was the team’s lone All-Star in 2019, a year in which the Orioles finished 49 games out of first place in the AL East.
Over his career, Means has compiled an impressive 3.68 ERA, but injuries have severely limited his availability. He has thrown just 53 total innings over the past three seasons due to injuries, including Tommy John surgery. While he remained effective when healthy, the Orioles opted to move on, leaving the Guardians to take a chance on the former ace.
Cleveland’s rotation already boasts a deep and talented group, including Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Gavin Williams, Tanner Bibee, and newly acquired Slade Cecconi. Means will likely be eased back into action as he continues recovering from surgery, but his presence could make the Guardians’ rotation even stronger by the season’s second half.
For a Cleveland team consistently competitive in the AL Central, taking a chance on Means is a smart, low-risk move that could pay dividends.
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