Athletics Keep Door Open for Kyler Murray’s Potential Baseball Return

Kyler Murray’s professional journey has been defined by exceptional athletic talent and a rare two-sport career. After choosing football over baseball several years ago, Murray became the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, leaving the Oakland Athletics with control of his baseball rights. That connection resurfaced this week when the Arizona Cardinals released Murray, making him an NFL free agent for the first time in his career.

Murray’s dual-sport potential has long intrigued fans and analysts. Selected ninth overall by the A’s in the 2018 MLB Draft, he signed with the organization for a $4.66 million bonus before ultimately focusing on football. Despite stepping away from baseball, the Athletics placed him on their restricted list, preserving the team’s rights should he ever consider returning to the diamond.

Now 28 years old and facing uncertainty in the NFL, Murray’s baseball history has again become a topic of discussion. While a return to MLB is far from guaranteed, the Athletics have openly stated they would entertain the possibility, keeping the door open for one of the most unique athletes in recent memory.

The situation illustrates a rare intersection of professional sports, where a player’s career in one league is directly influenced by contractual rights held in another. For Oakland, the potential of seeing Murray back in a baseball uniform remains both a strategic asset and a point of intrigue for fans.

1. Murray’s Baseball Background

Kyler Murray’s baseball credentials are formidable. During his time at the University of Oklahoma, he hit .296 with 10 home runs and 47 RBIs, demonstrating a combination of contact ability, speed, and power. This performance helped him secure a high draft selection in the 2018 MLB Draft and made him one of the most coveted two-sport prospects in years. After signing with the Athletics, Murray spent time in the minor leagues but ultimately opted to focus on football. That choice led to him becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, launching a promising NFL career. However, despite stepping away from baseball, his MLB rights remained firmly in Oakland’s control. The Athletics’ decision to place Murray on the restricted list ensured that if he ever wanted to return to baseball, only Oakland could sign him to a major league contract. This type of arrangement is rare in professional sports and underscores the organization’s long-term interest in Murray’s potential as a baseball player. Even after several NFL seasons, Murray’s baseball abilities and prior accomplishments continue to draw attention. His combination of arm strength, speed, and athleticism made him a standout in college, and the Athletics’ rights to him maintain a unique strategic advantage should he choose to return.

2. Athletics’ Continued Interest

Athletics general manager David Forst confirmed that the organization remains open to a potential return. Speaking to MLB.com’s Martín Gallegos, Forst emphasized that while Murray is an elite NFL quarterback with multiple opportunities to continue his football career, Oakland would welcome him back if the timing and circumstances were right. Forst’s comments highlight a deliberate strategy to maintain flexibility. The Athletics have preserved a player whose skill set could make an immediate impact in the majors, while publicly signaling that they respect Murray’s professional choices in football. This approach also keeps fans engaged and generates ongoing media interest. The Athletics’ willingness to entertain a comeback adds a layer of intrigue, creating a rare scenario in which a former top football draft pick could feasibly return to professional baseball. In practical terms, this means Murray and his representatives know that the Athletics’ door remains open. Whether the potential comes next season or further down the line, Oakland’s commitment underscores the organization’s recognition of his talent and marketability in two professional leagues.

3. The NFL Free Agent Context

Murray’s release from the Cardinals has thrust him into free agency for the first time in his NFL career, a situation that increases speculation about his long-term professional path. As teams evaluate his potential fit, the possibility of exploring baseball remains a distinct, if unlikely, option. While Murray has enjoyed success on the football field, including a 2020 NFL MVP award, injuries and team circumstances have created uncertainty about his next NFL contract. This uncertainty naturally leads to discussions about whether a baseball comeback could serve as a career alternative. The Athletics’ control of his MLB rights means any return would be straightforward from a contractual standpoint, making the scenario logistically feasible. A shift back to baseball would also capitalize on his existing skill set, potentially allowing him to bypass the traditional minor league development phase depending on the organization’s plans. For now, Murray’s focus will likely remain on evaluating NFL opportunities, but the Athletics’ openness ensures that, in an era of specialized professional sports, one of the few true two-sport stars still has options. The combination of past success and retained rights creates a narrative unique in modern professional athletics.