The time to exchange arbitration figures and reach a deal before hearings become necessary has passed.
Some players have received decent deals in the arbitration process such as Matt Chapman, Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and others.
But other players such as Austin Riley, Aaron Judge, Tyler O’Neill, and Harrison Bader were not so lucky and will have to attend arbitration hearings.
Baltimore Orioles ace John Means is also a part of that group.
Means filed for arbitration at $3.1 million, while the Orioles offered their ace $2.7 million.
Means is understandably disappointed but says that he is confident that this is what he is worth and that he’ll fight to get a fair deal.
John Means on going to arbitration with the Orioles: “I'm disappointed, but I'm pretty confident that that's what I'm worth.” He filed at $3.1 million, the team at $2.7 million. Means also said there were no conversations about a deal going beyond 2022.
— Nathan Ruiz (@NathanSRuiz) March 24, 2022
Means Deserves Better
You honestly can’t blame Means for being frustrated.
He’s the best out of a bad situation for the Orioles right now.
The team is set to have another rocky season with the AL East being perpetually stacked, and all the O’s really have is Means and slugger Trey Mancini.
Means feels that he deserves more than what his being offered to him by his team and he is correct.
He has an incredibly bright future and wants to win.
Means also made it clear that there hasn’t been much movement or conversation around a new contract beyond the 2022 season.
This means that the Orioles are likely going to let him walk or trade him.
Means should want a better deal for himself and hope for the chance to get it with a contending ballclub, and there are several teams that would be able to pay him some good money if they need a pitcher next year.
Perhaps if the New York Mets lose Jacob deGrom, they could come calling for means.
The same could be said for the St. Louis Cardinals, who likely won’t have Adam Wainwright past this year.
Means understandably wants more and believes he is worth more than what the O’s are offering him.
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