Former Orioles' SP reportedly struggling to find multi-year deal in free agency

Former Orioles' All-Star John Means underwent his second Tommy John surgery in May of 2024 and has been looking for a multi-year deal this offseason. The 31-year-old will not be available for most of the 2025 season and is looking to find a multi-year deal so that he can rehab his elbow. The former Oriole has not gained much traction from suitors so far.

The Boston Red Sox have shown some interest in the southpaw so far this offseason, having previously had discussions with Means. The lefty likely wants a contract similar to the one Brandon Woodruff got from the Brewers last winter.

Woodruff was coming off Tommy John surgery entering the offseason of 2023-24 and signed a two-year contract to return to Milwaukee. This allowed Woodruff to rehab with the Brewers while returning to them the following season.

John Means is still seeking a multi-year deal while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery

Likely to be a late-season return, a one-year contract might be what Means signs. That would allow himself to return for the final stretch of the 2025 season and potentially push a team over the edge and into the postseason. Signing Means would not preclude teams from getting in the race for some of the bigger names in free agency, or the trade market. Means' 2025 outlook is to be a depth piece and a supplemental addition to a team's rotation, rather than the biggest fish in the ocean.

Means has an extensive injury history with his two Tommy John surgeries occurring in 2022 and 2024. This is likely the main deterrent for teams in their negotiations. While on the field, Means has been successful for the Orioles. He's posted a lifetime 3.68 ERA and earned an All-Star selection in his breakout 2019 season.

The Orioles themselves are still searching for someone to fill the hole left by Corbin Burnes' departure. Means likely does not fit the bill that the Orioles are looking for at this time. Expecting a departure does not mean that it will happen. The Orioles' staff could look to Means instead of several other options that will be more expensive and likely have question marks themselves.

While Means' return to play is dependent on his progression through his rehab, the question remains where he will suit up in his return. Boston seems to be ahead of the pack in discussions. It remains to be seen how long the contract will be but expecting anything past two years is unlikely.