Orioles' insider suggests Baltimore open to reuniting with former All Star pitcher

Former Orioles starter John Means is having an issue finding a home this winter. Is a return to Baltimore in the cards for the former All Star? Orioles' insider Roch Kubatko believes that there is interest within the Orioles camp. Baltimore is light on left-handed starting options and while Means would help with that, he would need a lengthy rehab for the majority of the 2025 season. If all goes right, he will hopefully be available during the stretch run for whichever team he winds up with.

Following the additions of Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, the Orioles' rotation will not necessarily need reinforcements at the beginning of the season. This is where Means would be a smart option for the Orioles, considering that the left-hander will not be returning to the rubber until late 2025, and depending on his rehab potentially early 2026.

When healthy, Means was a key piece of the Baltimore rotation. He started 63 games from 2019 to 2021, including the COVID-shortened 2020 season. Means' best season was his rookie year, where he finished second in Rookie of the Year voting. The lefty notched 12 wins in 27 starts with a 3.60 ERA during the season.

Former Orioles starter John Means struggling to find a multi-year deal in free agency

Means had been connected with the division rival Boston Red Sox earlier in the winter but was unable to work out a deal. He is reportedly looking for a deal similar to the one that Brandon Woodruff received from the Milwaukee Brewers during his rehab season. Woodruff re-signed last winter with the Brewers on a two-year contract. Unlike Means, Woodruff was set for a return in 2025 when he signed the contract. This could work in Means' favor in contract negotiations as his return is slated for later this season, barring setbacks, instead of a full season on the injured list.

Boston signed former Angels starter Patrick Sandoval in late December, likely ending the chances of John Means finding a home at Fenway. Sandoval, another Tommy John project, signed a two-year deal with Boston, which will give him the time to rehab and fully recover.

After losing Corbin Burnes, the Orioles could look to bring back Means on a friendly contract. He had previously earned the nod to be the Opening Day starter in 2021 and 2022 before a tough stretch where the hurler found himself sidelined for most of the past three seasons.

With the return of Kyle Bradish scheduled for late 2025, as well as the recent offseason additions, Means could find himself in a bullpen role upon return. Means has made limited appearances as a reliever, all stemming from 2018 and 2019, only appearing as a reliever in five total games. In 2019, Means appeared in four games out of the bullpen, throwing 7.2 innings while only allowing one run. If the team sees fit to bring him back into the fold for 2025, don't be surprised if the Orioles move Means into the bullpen down the stretch.

John Smoltz is the most notable Tommy John induced transition. After undergoing the surgery in 2000, he returned as the Braves' closer in 2000. Means could do the same on a smaller scale. A move to the bullpen makes the most sense as the rotation is crammed with options in 2025 and many Tommy John programs include a pitch count or an innings count. This would allow Baltimore to utilize Means at the most opportune times down the stretch without risking another injury as the team looks to find success in October.