Kyler Murray may be hated by Oakland A’s fans, but there is no question that he made the right decision for himself.
Murray had infamously been selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, signing him to a contract with a $5 million bonus. However, it was also agreed that he could return to college for one last season as the quarterback of the University of Oklahoma. His impressive performance that year led to his winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected with the first pick of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals.
Kyler Murray proves that he made right decision
As Murray had received a better contract as a rookie in the NFL than he would have with that ninth selection, it is not a surprise that he went back on that deal. While doing so ensured that he would forever be hated by a segment of A’s fans, it was what he felt would be the right move for his future. Murray also did not close the door on attempting a baseball career at some point either, and has been known to wear A’s gear at times. The love for the team is still there.
The idea that Murray would try baseball at some point is likely over. He signed a five year extension with the Cardinals worth $230.5 million, a contract with an average annual salary that would be the highest in MLB history.
That contract is almost equal to the A’s entire payroll. As Bob Nightengale noted on Twitter, Murray will earn an average of $46.1 million per year. The A’s payroll is $48.5 million for 2022. There is less than a zero percent chance that he would have received that sort of deal from the A’s.
In the end, Murray did what he felt was best for himself going forward. Watching as the A’s began another rebuild because ownership could not be bothered to open the checkbook had to make his decision feel better. Add in his extension, and there is no reason to question Murray any longer.
Kyler Murray made the right decision for himself by spurning the Oakland A’s. He now has 230.5 million reasons why that is the case.