Paragraph 1: Red Sox’s Persistent Pursuit of Starting Pitching
The Boston Red Sox, despite securing left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet through a trade with the Chicago White Sox, are reportedly continuing their search for starting pitching reinforcements. Their prior interest in high-profile pitchers like Max Fried and Blake Snell, who ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees respectively, underscores their commitment to strengthening their rotation. The team’s reported interest in free agent Corbin Burnes, albeit with varying degrees of intensity, further emphasizes this pursuit. Now, their attention seems to be turning towards another free agent starter, John Means, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles.
Paragraph 2: John Means: A Potential Mid-Rotation Target
Reports indicate that the Red Sox have engaged in discussions with John Means, a free agent left-handed pitcher. While Means doesn’t possess the same star power as Fried or Burnes, his acquisition would potentially bolster the middle of the Red Sox rotation, particularly with Crochet now projected as a top-of-the-rotation arm. Means represents a more affordable option compared to the top-tier free agents, potentially aligning with the Red Sox’s apparent hesitation to commit to the higher salary demands of someone like Corbin Burnes.
Paragraph 3: Means’ Injury History: A Cause for Concern
A significant concern surrounding John Means is his extensive injury history. The 31-year-old hasn’t completed a full season since 2021, a year in which he showcased his potential with a 3.26 ERA across 26 starts and an impressive 134-to-26 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Unfortunately, his career trajectory was derailed by Tommy John surgery in 2022 after only two starts, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. His return in 2023 was limited to a mere 23 2/3 innings pitched, further raising red flags about his durability.
Paragraph 4: The Risk of Reinvesting in Injured Pitchers
The Red Sox’s potential pursuit of Means presents a considerable risk, given his recent history of injuries. While the team undoubtedly needs starting pitching reinforcements, signing Means could lead to a scenario similar to their experiences with Chris Sale, Lucas Giolito, and Liam Hendricks – players who required significant rehabilitation time and did not contribute fully as expected. Investing in another pitcher recovering from Tommy John surgery, especially one who has undergone the procedure twice in recent years, carries the risk of another lost season for the player and a significant financial commitment for the team without a guaranteed return.
Paragraph 5: Weighing the Need Against the Risk
The Red Sox face a difficult decision in balancing their need for starting pitching against the inherent risk of signing an injury-prone pitcher like Means. While his upside is evident in his 2021 performance, the likelihood of him regaining that form after two Tommy John surgeries remains uncertain. The team must carefully evaluate whether the potential reward outweighs the potential for another lengthy and costly rehabilitation process.
Paragraph 6: The Shrinking Free Agent Market and the Ticking Clock
Adding to the complexity of the Red Sox’s decision is the shrinking free agent market. As other teams secure their pitching needs, the pool of available starters diminishes, potentially forcing the Red Sox to make a decision on Means sooner rather than later. The ticking clock adds pressure to their evaluation process, as they must weigh the risks and rewards of signing Means against the possibility of missing out on other potential additions to their rotation. The trade for Crochet provides some breathing room, but the Red Sox remain actively seeking to solidify their starting pitching depth, and the pursuit of Means exemplifies their ongoing efforts in this crucial area.
