Will Orioles re-sign John Means? | MAILBAG

Question: Is there any chance John Means will remain an Oriole? From: John Dill

Answer: John, I think there’s a decent chance that John Means will remain an Oriole, but I don’t think that’s a move that happens early in free agency.

Means had his second Tommy John surgery in June, and unless there are serious inquiries from other teams, I wouldn’t think that a move would be made until he’s closer to returning.

Perhaps the Orioles would think about a two-year deal with the 31-year-old left-hander since he’s not likely to pitch much in 2025. He’s a personal favorite of mine, and I’d love to see him stay, but I think they’ll make other moves first. 

Question: Assuming Anthony Santander signs elsewhere, the front office is focused on improving the pitching depth in free agency, there are no further position-player trades or signings and those players with arbitration are concluded successfully and the player is retained, what are the typical outfield defensive lineup options for next year? From: John Hall

 Answer: John, while I think that Anthony Santander signs elsewhere, and the front office will focus on improving pitching in free agency, it is impossible to believe that the Orioles won’t sign or trade for additional outfielders.

They need additional right-handed hitters, and they have only Jorge Mateo, who’s started six games in the outfield during his four years with the team and Daz Cameron, whom they recently claimed off waivers.

I think it’s a safe bet that Colton Cowser will usually play left field and Cedric Mullins will play center. I think it’s possible the player who you’ll usually see in right field is currently not on the roster.

Heston Kjerstad may play some right field, but Cowser, Kjerstad and Mullins are all left-handed hitters, and some balance is needed.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.