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Royals Sign LHP John Means to Two-Year Minor-League Deal

The rare multiyear minors pact positions the injured left-hander to rehab in the Royals system with a potential evaluation in 2027.

May 17, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher John Means (47) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Seattle Mariners at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
In his first Orioles start since April 13, 2022, John Means allowed three runs over five innings in his long-awaited return. Although the performance came in a loss, such outcomes have become uncommon for Baltimore, rather than expected.

Overview

  • The club announced the agreement on Friday via its official X account, confirming a two-year minor-league contract for the 32-year-old left-hander.
  • Means ruptured his Achilles in December while training, and standard recovery timelines of 12 to 18 months make a 2026 MLB return unlikely.
  • He has not appeared in the majors since a second Tommy John surgery in 2024 and spent 2025 rehabbing in the Guardians’ system without a call-up.
  • The Kansas native is a former Orioles standout who made the 2019 All-Star team, threw a 2021 no-hitter and started Opening Day in 2021 and 2022.
  • The signing follows other recent Royals pitching moves, including acquiring Mitch Spence from the Athletics for AJ Causey ahead of spring training.