Kyler Murray repeats interest in playing professional baseball

Kyler Murray has not exactly done himself any favors with the Oakland A’s fanbase. The current Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback had been a first round selection by the A’s, taken with the ninth overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft before deciding on a career in the NFL. As he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and has found success on the gridiron, his baseball career would seemingly be over.

But that may not be the case. Murray has continued to talk about playing professional baseball at some point in time, even though he knows that he currently cannot do so.

Kyler Murray teases Oakland A’s again

This is not the first time Murray has hinted at a return to the diamond. Back in November, he said that he missed playing baseball and wished that he could do both. He has been seen wearing the occasional A’s hat, showing that baseball, and the A’s, are not far from his mind.

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At 23 years old, Murray obviously would have a lot of football left. And, unlike another quarterback who became a minor league player in Tim Tebow, Murray actually has an obvious future in the sport at his position. He threw for 3971 years and 26 touchdowns while guiding the Cardinals to an 8-8 record.

But that baseball dream is not far from his mind. Those summers spent on the diamond are far better than going through “voluntary” offseason workouts and being chased by 300+ pound behemoths. However, from a financial standpoint, Murray certainly won out in the short term.

Even if Murray is actually serious about returning to the diamond, it may be years until that happens. He has two years left on his current deal with the Cardinals, and a team option that is available as is the case on all first round rookie contracts. That contract, which is fully guaranteed, would be voided if he leaves the team to return to baseball.

There has also been talk about the Cardinals wanting to discuss an extension with Murray. It is possible he is using the A’s again as a bargaining chip, leaving the door open about returning to baseball as a way to increase his price tag. If the Cardinals feel this is an actual threat, he may be able to negotiate a bigger salary.

Even though Kyler Murray has found success on the gridiron, baseball and the Oakland A’s are still on his mind. He is still open to returning to the diamond.