The starter is set to join the Cleveland Guardians after agreeing to a free-agent contract earlier this week.
The longtime Baltimore Orioles pitcher missed most of last season due to an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery.
The 31-year-old left-hander made just four starts in 2024, posting a 2.61 ERA with 16 strikeouts over 20.2 innings.
As he continues his recovery, it remains uncertain if he will be able to pitch in the Majors this season. Due to that uncertainty, Baltimore allowed him to enter free agency.
Adding to the challenge, this was his second Tommy John surgery.
Means, who threw a no-hitter for the Orioles in 2021, had a career record of 21-26 with a 3.74 ERA before his first elbow injury ended his 2022 season.
He made a late-season return in 2023, starting four games and finishing 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA over 23.2 innings. His career record now stands at 23-26 with a 3.68 ERA.
Following news of the deal, John Means shared an emotional farewell message to the Orioles and the city of Baltimore on social media.
“It’s difficult for me to put into words what the organization has meant to me and my family after a decade. When I was drafted, I knew nothing about Baltimore, and now it serves as the backdrop for some of my most memorable moments. There are so many memories that will stay with me forever. I am extremely grateful to this team for giving me the opportunity to play a game for a living and fulfill a childhood goal.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to the success of our organization, including the front office, clubhouse staff, coaches, trainers, stadium ushers, and, of course, the fans. To my teammates, thank you for making it a pleasure to come into the clubhouse every day; I always looked forward to walking through these doors.
“I didn’t get the ending I wanted, and I’ll always wish I could have left the field on my own terms. However, even at the most difficult periods, this organization pulled me up.
“Thank you for everything.”
Means spent a decade with Baltimore after being taken in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB draft. He progressed through the minor league system and made his MLB debut in 2018. He began his career as a reliever, advanced to a starter, and was named to the 2019 All-Star Game.
