Could Kyler Murray Make a Comeback in Baseball? The Possibilities Explored

As the NFL’s free agency frenzy unfolds, the future of former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray remains uncertain, sparking intriguing speculation: what if he returned to baseball? While many expect him to sign with the Vikings, Jets, or another team in need of a quarterback, the thought of Murray making a leap back to the diamond has captured the imagination of fans and analysts alike.

Coming out of high school, Murray was a legitimate two-sport prospect, showcasing his talent in both football and baseball. After a standout season at Oklahoma, the Oakland Athletics recognized his potential, selecting him with the ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft. A longtime baseball scout noted, “He had power, speed, bat speed, defensive ability that gave you the glimpse of what he could be. If it all came together, the impact — he had All-Star-type of potential.”

During his 2018 season at Oklahoma, Murray posted impressive numbers, hitting .296 with 10 home runs, a .398 on-base percentage, and a .556 slugging percentage over 51 games. Scouts envisioned him as a center fielder, equipped with the speed to cover ground and the arm strength to make precise throws. However, the challenge of making consistent contact remained a significant hurdle. “Hitting the baseball is the toughest act in sports, requiring a consistent repetition that Murray simply didn’t have because he bounced back and forth between the gridiron and the diamond,” the scout explained.

Despite these challenges, the scout expressed confidence that had Murray committed to baseball, he could have quickly adapted. “Somebody that’s able to play NFL quarterback is probably able to figure out a lot of things. Hitting a baseball is a very challenging thing, but I also assume reading a defense is challenging,” he noted.

From the beginning, it was clear that Murray preferred football, largely due to the substantial financial incentives it offered. The Athletics signed him to a $4.66 million bonus, but scouts estimated that he would need several years of work in the minor leagues before securing a lucrative contract. In contrast, the Cardinals provided Murray with a fully guaranteed $35 million rookie deal, making his decision to pursue football a straightforward one.

When the A’s initially signed him, Billy Beane, then the VP of baseball operations, praised Murray as “one of the most dynamic athletes that we’ve selected since I’ve been here,” a testament to his remarkable talent. Although Murray returned most of his signing bonus, the Athletics still hold his rights, leaving the possibility of a return open. Athletics GM David Forst stated, “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.”

Murray is not alone in his potential dual-sport career. Scouts wonder about the baseball talent of Eagles star A.J. Brown, who signed with the Padres out of high school and trained with them during his college years at Ole Miss. Similarly, Giants quarterback Jameis Winston had a clear path to the majors as a closer for Florida State, where he threw impressive heat. Selected by the Rangers in the 2012 MLB Draft, Winston chose to pursue football instead, ultimately winning a Heisman Trophy and a national championship.

For fans of legendary two-sport athletes like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, the current landscape of professional sports can feel disheartening. The demands of each sport require such dedication and specialization that dabbling in both is nearly impossible. Yet, if the Jets become Murray’s only option, the door to baseball may remain ajar, reminding us to never say never.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.