Royals Sign 2019 All-Star Pitcher to 2-Year Minor League Deal

Kansas City takes a chance on former Orioles pitcher John Means, who has dealt with injuries in recent years.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Kansas City Royals have signed former Baltimore Orioles pitcher John Means to a two-year minor league contract. Means was an All-Star in 2019 but has struggled with injuries, including a setback in December 2025 when he ruptured his Achilles just before he was set to sign with a team for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Royals are looking to bolster their pitching staff and see Means as a low-risk, high-upside signing as they aim to return to contention. Means was an effective starter when healthy, and the Royals are hoping he can regain that form and contribute at the major league level.

The details

Means, 32, has spent his entire MLB career with the Orioles from 2018 to 2024, making the All-Star team in 2019. He missed the entire 2025 season due to a UCL injury and subsequent Tommy John surgery. In December 2025, Means suffered another setback, rupturing his Achilles just before he was set to sign with a team for the 2026 season. The Royals are now giving Means a chance to revive his career on a two-year minor league deal.

  • Means was an All-Star in 2019 while with the Baltimore Orioles.
  • Means missed the entire 2025 season due to a UCL injury and Tommy John surgery.
  • In December 2025, Means ruptured his Achilles just before he was set to sign with a team for the 2026 season.
  • The Royals signed Means to a two-year minor league contract in February 2026.

The players

John Means

A 32-year-old left-handed pitcher who was an All-Star with the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 but has dealt with injuries in recent years, including a ruptured Achilles in December 2025.

Kansas City Royals

A Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri, that is looking to bolster their pitching staff and return to contention.

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What they’re saying

“We have agreed to a two-year minor league contract with LHP John Means.”

— Kansas City Royals (X (formerly Twitter)

“It happened the same day I was supposed to sign with a team and be available on Opening Day for the first time in a long time. I was finally enjoying my first healthy offseason in four years and felt better than ever. I don't know why this happened or how this chapter will ultimately be used, but I know it's now part of my story and God has a plan.”

— John Means (Instagram)

What’s next

The Royals will monitor Means' recovery from the Achilles injury and hope he can regain his form and contribute at the major league level during the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Royals are taking a low-risk, high-upside chance on a former All-Star pitcher in John Means, who has been plagued by injuries in recent years. If Means can stay healthy, he could provide a significant boost to the Royals' pitching staff as they aim to return to contention.