John Means

Free agent starter John Means announced that he suffered a ruptured Achilles earlier this week.

Fantasy Impact

Means underwent surgery this week. He will likely miss most of next season. He did not pitch last year as he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery. It is another tough blow for the veteran starter.

John Means (elbow) is officially a free agent after the Cleveland Guardians declined his 2026 club option on Thursday. Means has not pitched in the majors since May 22, 2024, as he continues his recovery from Tommy John surgery.

Fantasy Impact

The left-hander made seven total rehab appearances during the final six weeks of the 2025 campaign. He is expected to be ready for the start of spring training, where he will look to land a spot with a new organization.

John Means is scheduled to make his seventh rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Cleveland Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said that Means was "feeling good physically" after his rehab start on Sunday. He has posted a 6.33 ERA and 1.41 WHIP across 21.1 innings during his assignment.

John Means is scheduled to make his next rehab start with Triple-A Columbus on Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Means threw a successful bullpen session on Wednesday and is scheduled to make his sixth rehab start on Sunday. He has a 4.58 ERA and 1.19 WHIP across 17.2 innings in his rehab starts so far, and he threw 72 pitches in his most recent outing. He remains on track to return this season.

The Cleveland Guardians are optimistic that John Means will be able to throw a bullpen session on Wednesday, as he has been feeling under the weather for the past few days.

Fantasy Impact

After an illness caused him to miss a rehab start on September 5, Means was back on the mound on September 7, throwing 72 pitches in his fifth rehab outing. The Cleveland Guardians are waiting for him to feel well enough to throw a bullpen session before determining next steps.