Signing of former All-Star could prove valuable for the Cleveland Guardians

If it has worked before, why not try it again? This appears to be the logic used by the Cleveland Guardians, as they have agreed to terms with pitcher John Means on a one-year deal for $1 million guaranteed that also includes a club option for 2026, which could be worth up to $7.5 million.

Means underwent Tommy John surgery back in June after damage to his ulnar collateral ligament was found. This was the second time that Means underwent Tommy John in his career, having to undergo the procedure in 2022 after just two starts.

The former All-Star and 2019 American League Rookie of the Year runner-up is currently still working his back from his second Tommy John surgery and is expected to return in the season's second half. If this sounds familiar, it should. This is a nearly identical contract structure to the one Cleveland signed Shane Bieber to back in December. The only difference (contract value excluded) being the type of option on the contract, as Bieber's has a player option while Means has a club option.

In his seven years as a pro, Means has a 3.68 ERA and 1.050 WHIP while averaging 7.5 strikeouts per nine innings pitched. Means is clearly a talented pitcher when he's on the mound, and every team would love to have him on their staff. There is just one problem. Injuries.

Means has appeared in just 10 games over the last three seasons due to the above-mentioned Tommy John surgeries, both of which came in a rather short amount of time. This is going to scare some teams off from pursuing him as an option, but not the Guardians. Cleveland is no stranger to bringing in pitchers recovering from injuries, as evidenced by their signing of Matthew Boyd and trading for Alex Cobb last season.

There is some risk involved here as there is no guarantee that Means can match his previous performance, but that is part of the reason why Cleveland is signing him. Due to financial constraints, the Guardians have to operate in a certain manner, and with his recent injuries, Means has fallen into Cleveland's price range.

Ideally. Means can replicate something similar to what Boyd was able to down the stretch for the Guardians last season. If that turns out not to be the case, Cleveland can decline his option and move on to their next reclamation project.