JUST IN: Boston Red Sox Confirmed To Land Baltimore Orioles’ John Means After Garrett Crochet Trade

Although the Red Sox have acquired Garrett Crochet, they’re still looking to strengthen their pitching rotation.

Breaking: Red Sox Reportedly Targeting Orioles Pitcher John Means After Garrett Crochet Trade

The Boston Red Sox recently bolstered their rotation by acquiring Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox, but they appear to be eyeing additional upgrades. According to Chris Cotillo of MassLive, the Red Sox are now pursuing long-time Baltimore Orioles left-hander John Means.

While the Crochet trade made headlines, adding Means would provide Boston with a reliable veteran presence at the back end of their rotation. Means, who has spent his entire seven-year MLB career with the Orioles, has a 23-26 record, 3.68 ERA, and a 334/79 K/BB ratio across 78 career appearances. His standout season came in 2019 when he earned his first All-Star nod, posting a 12-11 record, a 3.60 ERA, and a 121/38 K/BB ratio.

 

 

Injuries, however, have been a significant hurdle for Means. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2022, he was sidelined again in 2024 for the same procedure, limiting him to just 10 appearances since 2022 and only four games during the 2024 season. Despite the setbacks, Means performed well in limited action this past season, recording a 2.61 ERA and a 16/2 K/BB ratio over those four games.

If Boston is seriously considering Means, it likely indicates confidence in his medical outlook. Still, there’s inherent risk in signing a pitcher with his injury history. However, Means wouldn’t command a hefty price tag, making him a low-risk, high-reward addition for a team likely to lose Nick Pivetta in free agency.

While Crochet’s arrival has overshadowed any subsequent moves, Means could quietly become a key piece for the Red Sox. In the highly competitive AL East, a healthy Means could serve as a secret weapon for Boston’s rotation.