The Royals announced that they have reached an agreement with pitcher John Means on a two-year minor league contract. Means is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2026 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in December.
Means is an All-Star and the AL Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2019 and has only made more than 10 appearances in a season once since due to a litany of injuries. He has played a total of 10 games since the start of the 2022 season and missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from his second Tommy John surgery.
John Means could help the Kansas City Royals… if he can stay healthy
Means was a solid starter in the middle of the rotation when he was able to take the mound. He has an ERA of 3.68 and a WHiP of 1.050 over 401 career innings, striking out 334 batters with 79 walks. Opponents have posted a .226/.269/.420 batting line against Means in 1,621 plate appearances as he has been able to limit hard contact with impressive command.
The question is whether Means will be able to come close to his previous success. He will be coming off a five-year layoff in 2027, in his age-34 season.
For the Royals, this is a low-risk move that could pay significant dividends. They will be able to oversee Means’ rehabilitation and work to get him back on the mound. If he can’t come close to the pitcher he was, the Royals can walk away at minimal cost. However, if Means proves to be healthy and still has a strong arsenal with impeccable command, he could be a steal.
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