As Kyler Murray nears free agency following his release from the Arizona Cardinals, the Oakland Athletics have reaffirmed their openness to a baseball reunion. The team, which drafted him ninth overall in 2018 MLB Draft, retains his rights despite his NFL path.
Kyler Murray, the Heisman Trophy winner selected first overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft, posted a farewell message on social media Tuesday after the team announced his release, effective March 11 at the start of the NFL's new league year. The 28-year-old quarterback, nephew of former NFL QB Kevin Murray and ex-MLB player Calvin Murray, spent seven seasons as Arizona's franchise player.
Murray was also the Oakland Athletics' No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft as a five-tool outfielder from Oklahoma, signing for a $4.66 million bonus. After winning the Heisman, he chose football, forfeiting most of the bonus and entering MLB's restricted list while the A's retained his rights—following negotiations that lasted until the final hours before his NFL decision.
On Wednesday, A's GM David Forst told MLB.com: "Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career. That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes."
Murray's last baseball action was a .296 season at Oklahoma in 2018 (10 HR, 47 RBIs, 13 doubles, 3 triples, 46 runs, 10 SB in 51 games). Then-A's executive Billy Beane called him “one of the most dynamic athletes that we've selected since I've been here.” In a 2018 interview, Murray expressed interest in playing both sports professionally if possible.
Murray has shown no recent interest in baseball, and NFL teams like the Vikings, Dolphins, Jets, and Falcons plan to pursue him as a free agent. Experts highlight challenges of returning after seven years away, though his dual top-10 draft pedigree offers intrigue if he ever pursues it.