Chicago Cubs: 10 pitchers to target as MLB trade deadline looms

Chicago Cubs: 10 pitchers to target at the trade deadline: #10 – John Means

The southpaw in Baltimore owns a 3.63 career ERA and an even 18-18 lifetime record. Keeping in mind he plays for the lowly Orioles, that win total would likely be higher if he played on a better team. This year, he is 4-3 with a 2.72 ERA and twirled a no-hitter earlier in the season.

Chicago desperately needs a lefty to help diversify the rotation. Means won’t be hitting free agency until 2025, with his first year of arbitration coming up next season. Therefore, he is still very affordable.

Fortunately he is on the Orioles who will, once again, be looking to sell. Unfortunately, it will come at a price. He did miss a good month-and-a-half and has now had one start in his return since having a shoulder issue in which he gave up five earned in five innings of work.

Though not at his best in his return, I fully expect Means to get back on track and knock the rust off as he continues to ramp up his workload. Since Baltimore is not buying at the deadline, it would be interesting to see what they are asking for him. Hopefully two good prospects could do the trick, and if so, the Cubs should try to bid up whoever wants him and secure him for the future.