Red Sox have held 'some talks' with Orioles free agent southpaw (report)
The Red Sox are casting a wide net in free agency to help address their pitching depth heading into 2025 and beyond. Boston has reportedly held talks with Orioles free agent left-hander John Means, according to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
Means underwent Tommy John surgery during the 2024 season and will likely miss all of 2025. If the Red Sox were to sign the veteran southpaw, he could be looking at deals similar to what Boston has given to James Paxton, Michael Fulmer, and Liam Hendriks.
The former 2019 American League All-Star owns a career 3.68 ERA over 73 starts, all for the Orioles. Means has also tossed a no-hitter and was one pitch away from throwing a perfect game back in 2021. Over the last three seasons, he has been plagued by various injuries, holding him to just 10 starts over a three-year span.
From 2019-2021, the lefty made 67 appearances (63 starts), recording a 3.73 ERA and a 4.48 SIERA over 345 1/3 innings. While his control was exceptional, Means struggled to miss bats or induce ground balls.
Means potentially could be seeking a two-year deal as he rehabs in 2025 and will look to return fully healthy in 2026. MLBTradeRumors offered a contract comp that Means could sign with the Red Sox. Last summer, the Guardians signed Matthew Boyd to a $3.5 million deal, which was prorated at $1.75 million because he signed midseason.
If the Red Sox add Means, he is a low-risk depth signing that could impact the roster at the end of 2025 if all goes well with his rehab. Boston is still in the market for starting pitching after acquiring Garrett Crochet from the White Sox on Wednesday.
The team remains in on another Orioles starter in Corbin Burnes, but it seems that he may opt to pitch on the west coast, particularly with the Giants. Other names that the Red Sox have been connected to are Walker Buehler, Jack Flaherty, and even a reunion with Nick Pivetta.
