The A's and MLB executives reportedly met with Kyler Murray in Dallas on Sunday, in an effort to convince the two-sport star to choose baseball over a possible NFL career.
One thing that was reportedly not discussed? Money, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Although an initial report from WFAA in Dallas claimed Murray would take $15 million to choose baseball over football, Slusser reported Sunday "that the figure is inaccurate and the sides are working on 'something creative,'" citing a source with knowledge of the situation.
Source with knowledge of Kyler Murray talks says Murray has not made ANY monetary demands of the A's. The meeting is exploring ways to ensure his baseball future but no dollar figure was presented by Murray or his reps.— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 14, 2019
That creative solution could involve the A's putting Murray on their 40-man roster and signing him to a big-league contract, which would ensure he is paid more than the $4.66 million signing bonus he received in June as the No. 9 pick in the MLB draft. Such a move would require approval from MLB, in order to ensure that Murray and the A's did not reach an agreement on a major-league deal before he was drafted.
Clarifying the Murray news: MLB technically would not be waiving a rule for Kyler Murray. The rule prevents major league contracts for drafted players. Murray signed a minor league contract. A major league deal would be like him being selected onto the big league roster.— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2019
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Murray situation recalls Ohtani talks. MLB told teams there could be no promise of future long-term deal, not even discussion of one. Ohtani, like Murray, signed minor league contract.
Could #Angels sign Ohtani to long-term deal today?
"Yes. Absolutely," source tells Times.— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) January 14, 2019
In Kyler Murray talks, sources confirm #Athletics *are* permitted to give Murray additional money (and 40-man roster spot) as long as @MLB officials are satisfied that there was no agreement to do so in advance of his entry contract. Credit first to @JeffPassan and @BillShaikin.— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 14, 2019
The A's reportedly expected Murray to test the NFL waters and declare for the draft on Monday, but still thought he would report to spring training as of Thursday. Murray will decide his NFL future on Monday, when he must declare for the draft no later than 9 p.m. PT.
In other words, this saga is just getting started.