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Fort Scott Today
By the People, for the People
Former FSCC Standout John Means Signs Two-Year Deal with Kansas City Royals
Means, a Kansas native, played at Fort Scott Community College before rising to the majors.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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Fort Scott Community College is celebrating former standout pitcher John Means signing a two-year minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals. Means, who played at FSCC in 2011-12, went on to earn an All-Star selection in the majors with the Baltimore Orioles and throw a no-hitter in 2021. After battling injuries in recent seasons, the 32-year-old left-hander has signed with the Royals as he continues his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Why it matters
Means' journey from Fort Scott Community College to the major leagues serves as an inspiring story of perseverance and resilience. His signing with the Royals represents an opportunity for the Kansas native to continue his professional career after overcoming significant injuries.
The details
During his time at FSCC, Means earned All-Conference and All-Region honors, establishing himself as one of the program's top pitchers. He then signed with West Virginia University and was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Means quickly rose through the professional ranks, earning an All-Star selection in 2019 and throwing a no-hitter in 2021. However, he has battled injuries in recent seasons, including Tommy John surgery and a ruptured Achilles tendon that is expected to sideline him for the entire 2026 season. Despite the setback, the Royals have signed Means to a two-year minor league contract, viewing him as a high-reward pitching addition for the 2027 season once he fully recovers.
- Means played at FSCC during the 2011-12 seasons.
- Means was selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
- Means earned American League All-Star honors in 2019.
- Means threw a no-hitter against the Seattle Mariners on May 5, 2021.
- Means signed a two-year minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals in February 2026.
The players
John Means
A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who played at Fort Scott Community College in 2011-12 before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles and earning an All-Star selection in the majors.
Fort Scott Community College
The community college in Fort Scott, Kansas, where Means played and established himself as one of the program's top pitchers.
Kansas City Royals
The Major League Baseball team that has signed Means to a two-year minor league contract as he continues his comeback from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
What’s next
Means is expected to miss the entire 2026 season as he recovers from the ruptured Achilles tendon, but the Royals are hopeful he can contribute to their pitching staff in 2027.
The takeaway
John Means' story demonstrates the power of determination and the potential for players to overcome significant obstacles and achieve success at the highest levels of professional baseball, even after starting their careers at a community college program.
