GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The Cleveland Guardians have reached an agreement with pitcher John Means on a one-year contract worth $1 million, announced on Wednesday. However, the left-handed pitcher will not be available for immediate play as he is currently recuperating from Tommy John surgery.

The contract also features a team option for the year 2026, which could increase the total value to $8.5 million over two years, provided that Means pitches a minimum of 150 innings in that season. At 31 years old, Means underwent the surgical procedure on his elbow last June, marking the second time he has had this surgery since 2022.

During the 2021 season, Means started 26 games and recorded a record of 6-9 with a 3.62 ERA. However, in the subsequent three seasons, he has only taken the mound for 10 games. Throughout his seven-season career in Major League Baseball, he has remained with the Baltimore Orioles, accumulating a record of 23 wins against 26 losses along with a 3.68 ERA.

For the current season, Means will receive a salary of $1 million. Should the team option be exercised, it will be valued at $6 million. Additionally, he has performance incentives built into his contract that provide financial rewards at various inning milestones in 2026. Specifically, he would earn $75,000 for reaching innings thresholds of 20, 30, 40, and 50; $100,000 for innings of 60, 70, 80, and 90; $125,000 for 100, 110, 120, and 130 innings; and lastly, $150,000 for hitting 140 and 150 innings pitched.

To accommodate Means on the 40-man roster, the Guardians placed David Fry on the 60-day injured list.