Following yesterday’s acquisition of Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, the Boston Red Sox continue to make waves in the offseason market. In addition to reportedly eyeing Corbin Burnes, Boston has also expressed interest in another former Baltimore Orioles standout. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Red Sox have engaged in discussions for left-hander John Means.
Means, a former All-Star, has struggled with injuries over the last three years. He underwent his second Tommy John procedure this past May and is expected to miss most of the 2025 season. Despite this, the Red Sox appear to consider Means as a potential addition to their rotation.
Red Sox Eyeing John Means in Free Agency
In four starts this past season, Means wnet 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA and a 0.7 bWAR. The 31-year-old has not pitched a full season since 2021 in wihch he posted a 3.26 ERA over 26 starts with a 134-26 stikreout-to-walk ratio. After two starts in 2022, Means underwent his first Tommy John surgery and missed the remainder of the season. He did make a brief return in 20223, pitching 22 2/3 innings.
Means was one of the best pitchers in baseball a few years ago. He was named an American League All-Star in 2019 and procuring a 3.68 ERA across 73 starts for the Orioles. Means threw a no-hitter that was one pitch away from being a perfect game in 2021.
Despite the injury concerns, the Red Sox have experience dealing with oft-injured pitchers. However, it might not come as a surprise that they’re interested in Means. James Paxton and Liam Hendriks are recent examples of pitchers who arrived to Boston with no intention of pitching in the immediate ffuture. Means wouldn’t be either, so it’ll be a while before he returns to the mound. Bringing in a pitcher like Means shouldn’t close the door on other additions to the pitching staff.
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