Guardians Sign Pitcher John Means to One-Year Contract

The Cleveland Guardians have signed left-handed pitcher John Means to a one-year contract worth $1 million, with a club option for 2026, as he continues to recover from his second Tommy John surgery. Means, previously with the Baltimore Orioles, had an impressive start to his career, including an All-Star appearance in 2019, but has struggled with injuries since then, making only 10 starts in the last three seasons. The Guardians are hopeful that Means can return to form later this season, similar to their successful reclamation project with Matthew Boyd last year. Manager Stephen Vogt expressed excitement over Means' potential contributions, although his exact return timetable remains uncertain. The deal reflects the Guardians' strategy of taking calculated risks on players with injury histories, hoping to find value in their performances. If Means performs well, he could secure a longer stay with the team through the club option for 2026.