DALLAS — The Red Sox added certainty to the top of their rotation by acquiring Garrett Crochet from the White Sox on Thursday.
As they continue to search for starting depth, there has been talk of a pursuit of another former All-Star.
Boston has some interest in former Orioles lefty John Means, a source said Thursday, though it’s unclear if the Red Sox are the aggressors in Means’ free agent market.
The 31-year-old (32 in April) had his second Tommy John surgery in May, so he’s not likely to contribute for most (or all) of the 2025 season.
Any club signing him would likely be interested in doing so on a two-year deal (or one-year deal with an option).
Means emerged as a force in Baltimore’s rotation five years ago when he worked to a 3.60 ERA in 155 innings and finished second in the 2019 American League Rookie of the Year voting after making the All-Star team that summer.
He was OK in 2020 and 2021 (3.83 combined ERA) and kept the line moving by significantly limiting walks. Injuries then took hold in 2022, when he underwent Tommy John surgery for the first time.
He needed a second one just over two years later and has been limited to only 52 ⅓ innings over the last three years. He has a 2.75 ERA in 10 starts in that span.
Means has spent his entire professional career in Baltimore since being drafted by the O’s in the 11th round back in 2014. He’s a free agent for the first time.
