374 replies to this topic

[makoman]

With Burnes gone after the season, and now Means likely out of the picture for at least a year (and quite likely permanently), that pretty much assures there will be an empty rotation spot after the season (and that’s assuming best case scenario with Bradish). If a spot doesn’t open up for Povich over the next several months, I’d bring him up in September and let him get a taste of the big leagues in the bullpen before he’d need to jump in the rotation next year. (Though I think it’s likely we see him before then)

I don't see a reason to be pessimistic with Bradish at this point, but I agree with Povich getting some MLB time this year. I don't see why he couldn't help in the BP at some point.

[BSLMikeLowe]

I don't see a reason to be pessimistic with Bradish at this point, but I agree with Povich getting some MLB time this year. I don't see why he couldn't help in the BP at some point.

Id be shocked if he doesn’t get a call up later this season to work out of the pen, and again that assumes there isn’t a need to put him in the rotation before then.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Right, it’s why health or not I feel it’s quite likely he doesn’t return to the Orioles. Unless, assuming he needs TJS again, the Orioles take a similar approach they did with him last time and extend him through next season as soon as he has surgery. Given it would be his second time in about two years I’m not so sure the Orioles do that again.

I am all for a team having a players back. But at some point, and I think this may be it for Means, a team has to look out for the rest of the team. Wish them best and move on.

[JeremyStrain]

Holy shit.  I get the pessimism but a forearm strain isn't 100% Tommy John.  Come on, guys.  

No it's not, but there's a giant correlation between the two, hence why I posted that article. They did a study on it a couple years ago.

[SBTarheel]

Looks like John Means is about to sign with the Guardians, according to MLBTR.

[Mackus]

I'm a fan of these rehab contracts, but don't think Means makes sense for the O's unless it's super cheap. Second TJ is a different beast than first one, and Means seems pretty unique in how short of a time it was between his first and second.

[BaltBird 24]

I think Means is crafty enough that he can still be successful without good velocity (he was siting 94-96 at his peak here). I think he can survive throwing high 80s, low 90s if there's enough differential between his FB and CH.

[Pedro Cerrano]

John gave us a no hitter. I’d put him in the Os HOF just for that

[BaltBird 24]

When he was healthy, he was probably my most enjoyable O's starting pitching to watch pitch since Erik Bedard.

It's just a shame I basically tuned the Orioles out the years he was healthy.

[Nigel Tufnel]

I feel like some important information is missing here, but I guess he signed with Cleveland.

 

Andy Kostka‬ ‪@afkostka.bsky.social‬

Left-hander John Means is in agreement on a one-year deal with an option for 2026, source confirms, pending physical. Zack Meuse of the Athletic had first.

 

The longtime Oriole is headed elsewhere as he continues recovery from Tommy John surgery

[Mackus]

I feel like some important information is missing here, but I guess he signed with Cleveland.

 

Andy Kostka‬ ‪@afkostka.bsky.social‬

Left-hander John Means is in agreement on a one-year deal with an option for 2026, source confirms, pending physical. Zack Meuse of the Athletic had first.

 

The longtime Oriole is headed elsewhere as he continues recovery from Tommy John surgery

 

$1M in '25, $7M team option for '26 with no buyout.  Apparently Means thinks he'll be back in August, but that feels optimistic to me.  Means doesn't have a history of healing quickly, IMO.

[BSLMikeLowe]

$1M in '25, $7M team option for '26 with no buyout.  Apparently Means thinks he'll be back in August, but that feels optimistic to me.  Means doesn't have a history of healing quickly, IMO.

 

Unless he wanted a change of scenery, which I could understand, I would have done that as a lottery ticket if I were the Orioles considering 3/5 of their likely OD rotation will be free agents after the season.

[Mackus]

Unless he wanted a change of scenery, which I could understand, I would have done that as a lottery ticket if I were the Orioles considering 3/5 of their likely OD rotation will be free agents after the season.

Meh, I'm dubious enough of his chances of returning from this to not be able to criticize passing on it. $1M is nothing, but the 40-man roster is full, so I think we'd have to DFA someone to fit him before moving him to the 60-day IL.

If he doesn't return this year, you're making a $7M decision based on not a lot of info and a total gamble for if he can be effective.

[BSLMikeLowe]

Meh, I'm dubious enough of his chances of returning from this to not be able to criticize passing on it. $1M is nothing, but the 40-man roster is full, so I think we'd have to DFA someone to fit him before moving him to the 60-day IL.

If he doesn't return this year, you're making a $7M decision based on not a lot of info and a total gamble for if he can be effective.

 

The 40-man should not be considered an impediment. Roansy Contreras will end up on waivers again at some point (and probably claimed by them again at some point....he seems like the pitching Livan Soto, that guy they just have to have in the organization but don't want to give him enough money to ensure it).

 

It sounds like Means is willing to bet on himself by not having anything guaranteed in '26. I'm wondering if he told the Guardians that if he is ready to pitch sometime in August that he'd be willing to accept an AAA assignment that's longer than the typical rehab stint just to get the opportunity to prove that he's worth the $7M bet in '26....and compared to what the current O's ownership is willing to spend, $7M is more of a risk to Cleveland.

 

I'm not really that disappointed Elias didn't do it (assuming Means would have done the same deal with the O's), but it's something I would have done if the opportunity was there.

[NewMarketSean]

Of course I think he’ll win 20 games now.

If he stayed with Orioles he’d never pitch again.

Seriously, a good low risk move for Cleveland but he’s unlikely to pitch at all in 2025.