John Means Suffers Devastating Achilles Injury Just as MLB Comeback Was Within Reach
For longtime Orioles fans, the name John Means carries a mix of admiration and heartbreak. When healthy, he was the kind of pitcher every rotation needs - reliable, composed, and capable of shutting down a lineup with pinpoint command.
But for much of his career, Means has been locked in a battle with his own body. That fight took another painful turn this week.
Means revealed on social media that he ruptured his Achilles tendon - and the timing couldn’t have been worse. The injury occurred on the very day he was set to sign with a new team in free agency. That’s not just unfortunate - that’s the kind of gut-punch that derails careers.
Let’s put this into perspective: Means hasn’t pitched in the majors since May 2024, and he was already facing an uphill climb. Two Tommy John surgeries had left him with plenty of question marks, and teams were understandably cautious.
Still, he had done enough to convince at least one club to take a chance. That opportunity vanished in an instant.
Achilles injuries are no joke. They’re among the toughest for any athlete to come back from - long rehab, uncertain outcomes, and a high risk of never quite being the same.
Just ask pitchers like Michael Soroka, who know all too well how fragile a comeback can be. At 32 years old, Means now faces another long road back, and the clock isn’t on his side.
There’s no word yet on which team was ready to bring him aboard, but it’s safe to say this setback cost him more than just a roster spot. We’re likely talking about millions lost - and more importantly, a shot at rebooting a promising career that’s already seen more than its share of setbacks.
If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Means has been here before. He’s fought through injuries, rehab assignments, and long layoffs - and each time, he’s found a way to return to the mound.
But this one’s different. With 2026 almost certainly off the table due to the timing of the injury, the earliest realistic return would be sometime in 2027.
And even then, he might have to settle for a non-guaranteed deal or a minor league contract - the kind of prove-it opportunity that comes with no promises.
Teams will be cautious, as they should be. Jason Grilli’s post-Achilles struggles serve as a warning: not every comeback story ends with a triumphant return. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Means, it’s that he doesn’t go down without a fight.
His time in Baltimore didn’t end the way anyone hoped. But despite the injuries and missed time, Means earned the respect of fans for the way he carried himself - on and off the field.
He worked relentlessly to get back, and when he did pitch, he gave everything he had. That kind of resilience doesn’t go unnoticed in this game.
Now, he’ll need every ounce of that grit again. Because after all he’s been through, this latest setback might be the toughest yet.