Oakland A’s Open to Reuniting With QB Kyler Murray

This article takes another look at Kyler Murray’s baseball rights, which the oakland-as-lean-on-internal-options-at-third-base/”>Oakland Athletics have held since picking him ninth overall in the 2018 draft. It digs into Murray’s NFL journey, the real chance he could return to baseball, and what the Athletics’ GM thinks about keeping that option alive as Murray’s football career hits a pretty interesting crossroads.

Overview: Murray, the A’s, and the lingering baseball option

Kyler Murray was a five-tool outfielder at Oklahoma, flashing both speed and power that had scouts buzzing. He chose pro football in 2019 after going first overall to the Arizona Cardinals, which set him on a rare two-sport path.

Now, as the Cardinals eye possible changes, the Oakland Athletics still hold his baseball rights. It’s a detail that could turn into something much bigger if Murray ever wants to pick up a bat again. The A’s see those rights as a wildcard, not a main part of their future plans, but they aren’t ignoring the possibility.

David Forst’s stance and what it signals

Talking to MLB.com, David Forst, the A’s GM, made it clear that Murray’s baseball option is still on the table. He pointed out that the A’s would welcome Murray back if he and his camp ever wanted to try baseball again.

That’s a practical stance. Murray’s an elite NFL quarterback and will have plenty of football chances, but Oakland’s not closing the door on baseball. You can tell the A’s like the idea of keeping a connection to a unique two-sport athlete, even if it’s a long shot.

Forst also said seven years away from pro baseball is a big gap, even for someone as talented as Murray. The A’s aren’t counting on him to switch sports suddenly, but they want to keep their options open. Murray’s rare profile means his name pops up now and then in conversations about what-ifs or comeback stories.

The Cardinals’ uncertain direction adds a little more intrigue. If things ever changed, the A’s would be ready to talk if Murray showed real interest in baseball again.

Timeline and financials: what 2026 could look like

Financially, 2026 could get interesting for Murray. He might sign a veteran-minimum NFL deal while still getting a big chunk of guaranteed money—some say over $36 million—from the Cardinals or another team.

That mix of NFL stability and the A’s holding his baseball rights makes for a weird but intriguing situation. There’s a chance for a late baseball comeback if Murray ever wants it. It’s not a plan, just a wildcard, and much would depend on Murray’s own interest and whether returning after so long is even realistic.

Murray, in his farewell post to Arizona fans, said his “best ball” could still be ahead, but he didn’t clarify if he meant football or something else. That little bit of mystery keeps people guessing. Could he play out an NFL contract in 2026 and then give baseball another shot? The A’s aren’t betting on it, but they’re not ruling it out. It’s really up to Murray, and Oakland’s just staying ready in case he ever wants to talk.

• Two-sport potential: Murray’s background in both sports is still one of the most fascinating stories in recent memory.
• Wildcard status: Oakland treats his baseball rights as a maybe, not a must.
• Financial bridge: 2026 could offer NFL security and baseball flexibility, depending on what Murray wants.
• Public sentiment: Murray’s farewell left things open, so everyone’s still waiting to see what’s next.

Bottom line: what this means for fans and the A’s

For Murray, football still comes first. The A’s just keep this rare, high-upside possibility in their back pocket in case things shift down the road.

If you’re a fan of Oakland or just love baseball, this whole saga is a reminder: talent can cross boundaries, and sometimes business decisions in sports bring back stories you thought were over. That’s kind of wild, honestly.

Murray’s still building his football legacy. The Athletics, though, make it clear—they’re not shutting the door on surprises, and that’s part of what keeps this weird, cross-sport story so fun to follow.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB’s A’s ‘always open’ to reunion with QB Kyler Murray