Oakland A's Open to Kyler Murray Returning to Baseball

The former NFL quarterback may have options beyond the gridiron.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Now that Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals are parting ways, the Oakland A's have expressed interest in the former NFL quarterback potentially returning to baseball. The A's still hold Murray's baseball rights after drafting him in the first round in 2018, before he decided to pursue a career in the NFL. A's general manager David Frost stated that the team would be open to Murray exploring a return to the diamond if he chooses to step away from football.

Why it matters

Kyler Murray is a unique athlete who has excelled at both football and baseball. His potential return to the A's would be a major storyline, as it would give him the chance to showcase his talents on the baseball diamond after establishing himself as an NFL quarterback. This could also impact several NFL teams that are reportedly interested in signing Murray.

The details

The A's selected Murray with the 9th overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, but he opted to pursue a career in the NFL instead. He was then selected 1st overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft. Now, after parting ways with the Cardinals, Murray may have the opportunity to return to baseball with the A's, who still hold his rights. A's GM David Frost expressed the team's openness to Murray exploring a return to the sport.

  • Kyler Murray was drafted 9th overall by the Oakland A's in the 2018 MLB Draft.
  • Murray was selected 1st overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • Murray and the Cardinals are now parting ways in 2026.

The players

Kyler Murray

A former Heisman Trophy winner from Oklahoma who was drafted in the first round by both the Oakland A's (MLB) and the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), establishing himself as a dual-sport star.

David Frost

The general manager of the Oakland A's, who has expressed the team's openness to Murray potentially returning to baseball if he decides to step away from the NFL.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— David Frost, Oakland A's General Manager (Yahoo Sports)

What’s next

The A's will likely wait to see if Murray decides to pursue a return to baseball, and they will be ready to welcome him back to the diamond if he chooses that path.

The takeaway

Kyler Murray's potential return to baseball with the Oakland A's would be a fascinating storyline, as it would give the talented athlete a chance to showcase his skills on the diamond after establishing himself as an NFL quarterback. This move could also have significant implications for several NFL teams interested in signing Murray.