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Gardner Today
By the People, for the People
Royals Sign Pitcher John Means to Minor League Deal
Gardner native returns home to Kansas City organization
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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The Kansas City Royals have signed left-handed pitcher John Means to a two-year minor league contract. Means, a native of Gardner, Kansas, was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 but has struggled with injuries over the past four seasons, including two Tommy John surgeries.
Why it matters
Means is a local product who had success early in his MLB career, making the All-Star team in 2019. If he can regain his form and stay healthy, he could provide valuable pitching depth for the Royals as they look to rebuild and return to contention in the American League Central.
The details
Means graduated from Gardner-Edgerton High School and attended Fort Scott Community College before being drafted by the Orioles. He made his MLB debut in 2018 and was an All-Star the following year, winning 12 games with a 3.60 ERA and 4.4 rWAR. However, Means has battled injuries in recent seasons, including Tommy John surgery in 2022 and 2024, as well as an Achilles injury last year that required additional surgery.
- Means was the Orioles' Opening Day starter in 2021.
- He tossed a no-hitter in May 2021.
- Means made just two starts in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery.
- He returned late in 2023 and made four starts before injuring his UCL again, requiring a second Tommy John procedure.
- Means spent the 2024 season in the Guardians' minor league system, making seven starts.
The players
John Means
A left-handed pitcher from Gardner, Kansas who was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.
Kansas City Royals
The Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri that has signed Means to a minor league contract as they look to rebuild their pitching staff.
What’s next
The Royals will monitor Means' progress in the minors as he looks to regain his form and potentially contribute to the major league roster later this season.
The takeaway
This signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity for the Royals to bring in a talented pitcher with local ties who, if healthy, could provide a boost to their pitching staff as they aim to return to contention in the AL Central.
