Kyler Murray isn’t just athletic. As far as the baseball world is concerned, he’s also an Athletic.
The Athletics still own Murray’s baseball rights ahead of the 2026 season after drafting him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft – five picks ahead of Seattle Mariners All-Star pitcher Logan Gilbert.
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After the A’s drafted him, Murray signed a deal with the then-Oakland Athletics, which included a $4.66 million signing bonus. According to an MLB.com article at the time, Murray intended to play one more season of college football at Oklahoma before reporting to Arizona for spring training in 2019.
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MLB spring training 2026: Sunshine, good vibes in Arizona and Florida
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Feb 12, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets infielder Bo Bichette (19) warms-up during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images
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Instead, Murray won the Heisman Trophy quarterbacking for the Sooners in his junior season and declared for the 2019 NFL Draft, where the Arizona Cardinals selected him with the No. 1 overall pick. The A’s continued to own Murray’s baseball rights.
On March 3, news broke that the Cardinals intend to release Murray less than four years after signing him to a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension. With his looming release, Murray will get a chance to test free agency when the new league year begins on March 11.
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Should Murray instead decide to pivot back to baseball after a seven-year career in pro football, he would resume his baseball career as a member of the A’s organization.
KYLER MURRAY: Could NFL free agent try baseball?
Athletics general manager David Forst addressed the possibility of a mid-20s career change for Murray on March 4.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst said. “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.”
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Murray last played organized baseball during the Sooners’ 2018 season. Playing center field for Oklahoma, Murray played in 51 games and batted .296 with 10 home runs, 47 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who owns Kyler Murray’s baseball rights? NFL QB’s MLB prospects