Noah Murdock Signs Minor League Deal with Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates just took a shot on free-agent reliever Noah Murdock, signing him to a minor league deal. Murdock stands an imposing 6-foot-8 and made his MLB debut with the Oakland Athletics in 2025.

His career’s been a mix of promise and growing pains so far. Now, the Pirates are hoping they can tap into the potential he flashed in a standout 2024 season by adding him to their spring training roster.

Background on Noah Murdock’s Career

Murdock’s path to Pittsburgh has zigzagged quite a bit. The Kansas City Royals drafted him first, but Oakland grabbed him in the Rule 5 Draft before the 2025 season.

Things didn’t go smoothly in his early MLB outings. He pitched just 17 innings for Oakland, giving up 25 runs and walking 20 batters, plus he hit two guys—tough numbers that got him designated for assignment by May.

From Oakland Back to Kansas City

After that, Murdock landed back with the Royals and finished out the year at Triple-A Omaha. He struggled there too, posting a 6.00 ERA over 21 innings before a season-ending injury stopped him cold.

Still, people noticed his raw stuff and the flashes he’d shown the season before.

The Promise of 2024

Most of the buzz around Murdock comes from what he did in 2024. He split that year between Double-A and Triple-A in the Royals system, tossing 62 2/3 innings with a 3.16 ERA.

He struck out 27% of the hitters he faced and kept nearly 60% of balls on the ground. His mix—a mid-90s sinker with a cutter and slider—kept hitters guessing and usually pounding the ball into the dirt.

Control: The Biggest Hurdle

But for all his size and stuff, control has always been a problem. Murdock’s walked more than 10% of batters in his pro career, peaking at a 15.4% walk rate during his best season.

If he wants to stick in a big league bullpen, he’s got to rein in those free passes. That’s the big “if.”

Why the Pirates Made This Move

The Pirates, honestly, don’t have much to lose here. Minor league deals come with flexibility and zero guarantees, so they can take a long look at Murdock without risking anything big.

If he sharpens his command and keeps getting grounders, maybe he’ll show up at PNC Park in 2025. Stranger things have happened.

Spring Training Evaluation

Murdock’s set to join the Pirates’ spring camp, and the coaching staff will get a close look at how he’s throwing and what’s going on with his mechanics.

If he impresses, he could bounce between Triple-A Indianapolis and the big league bullpen, especially if injuries or slumps open a door. There’s always a need for fresh arms.

• Height and Leverage: At 6’8″, Murdock’s downhill delivery creates tough angles for hitters.
• Pitch Arsenal: Sinker, cutter, and slider—designed to induce ground balls.
• Past Success: 3.16 ERA in 2024 across advanced minor league levels.
• Primary Obstacle: Career-long control issues with double-digit walk rates.
• Opportunity: A shot to earn a 40-man roster spot if he stands out in spring training.

Looking Ahead

Pittsburgh’s bullpen depth has faced plenty of tests in recent years. Their willingness to take chances on arms like Murdock really shows an openness to unconventional paths to improvement.

If Murdock tightens up his control and stays healthy, the Pirates might’ve landed a cost-effective asset. He could bridge innings and keep the ball in the park, which honestly, is never a bad thing.

For Noah Murdock, this minor league deal is another shot to prove that 2024 wasn’t just a one-off. The Pirates get a real chance to turn potential into production here.

As spring training unfolds, fans will definitely keep a close eye on him. Will his towering frame and sinking fastball finally translate into consistent big-league results? Guess we’ll see soon enough.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Pirates Sign Noah Murdock To Minor League Deal