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MLB: Five most surprising pitchers in 2021

By David Mullen

May 11, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher John Means (47) pitches against the New York Mets during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

In the first full year since COVID hit, MLB has seen plenty of injuries to star players. We have already seen plenty of bad blood between teams and one old-school major causing massive waves in Chicago. We’ve also seen some surprising players in 2021.

However, we like to look at the bright side of things and enjoy the game of baseball. After about a month and a half of baseball, it is time to see the five surprising pitchers in 2021, in terms of production. Some familiar names have made the list and some newer names are on the list. One player, at the time of writing, was absolutely dominant but injured himself while punching a bench.

The biggest surprises in MLB thus far

John Means, SP, Baltimore Orioles

John Means was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 11th round in the 2014 MLB draft out of West Virginia University. Since making his major league debut in 2018 (1 game), Means has shown improvement each year. 2019 was Means’ first full season and he made the most of it in 27 starts despite being part of a team that finished last in the American League East. Means was named the Orioles’ All-Star in 2019 and finished second in American League Rookie of the Year voting while posting a 3.60 ERA across 155 innings. Means’ command and control were more than evident by striking out 121 opponents and only walking 38.

In the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Means struggled a bit but his peripheral numbers either remained close to the same or they improved. The lefty increased his K/9 by almost two full strikeouts (7.0 in 2019 compared to 8.7 in 2020). Through 8 starts, including a no-hitter, in 2021, Means has continued to strike out opponents at a 9.2 K/9 rate.

The 28-year-old has is one of the best pitchers in the American League, right now. He leads pitchers in the American League in Wins Above Replacement (2.7) with Gerrit Cole and Kyle Gibson trailing. Gibson may be a trade chip this year despite not being arbitration-eligible until 2022. He will not be a free agent until 2025 which could entice some teams to part with top prospects in exchange for a top-tier lefty starter. John Means’ steady increase in production and no-hitter make him one of the five surprising players in 2021.

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