John Means

Means underwent Tommy John surgery in April of 2022. He was ticketed for a return around the All-Star break, but he was diagnosed with an upper back strain in May, putting his rehab on hold. Means finally made it back for four starts in September. He posted a 2.66 ERA and .72 ERA over those 23.2 innings, but don't get too excited as Means fanned only 10 batters while surrendering four homers. He benefited from a .130 BABIP and 88.7 percent left on base mark, both which would have corrected if he compiled more innings. Most importantly, Means' velocity and control were at pre-surgery level, and starting four games should allow Means to undergo a regular offseason. Even so, with fewer then 50 frames thrown last season (including rehab games), Means 2024 workload will likely be capped. He should benefit from the 2022 renovations in Camden Yards, but Means has never been a strikeout hurler, so he remains subject to the whims of batted ball fate. If someone wants to draft last season's small sample, by all means, let them.