Noah

Murdock

Murdock represents an interesting gamble for the Pirates since he was a Rule 5 pick by the Athletics last offseason and made 14 underwhelming relief appearances, registering an astronomical 13.24 ERA during that span, before being returned to the Royals by mid-May. The 27-year-old hurler produced a solid 3.16 ERA and 72/41 K/BB ratio over 62 2/3 innings during 46 relief outings in the upper minors after returning to Kansas City.

Murdock passed through waivers unclaimed after being designated for assignment last Friday and will return to Kansas City’s organization. The 26-year-old righty struggled in 14 relief appearances this season with the Athletics after coming over in the offseason Rule 5 Draft.

If the Rule 5 selection passes through waivers unclaimed, he would be returned to the Royals. If another team claims him, then the same rules apply, and he needs to remain on the big league roster for the duration of the season or be returned to the Royals. Murdock posted a 13.24 ERA, 2.71 WHIP and a 21/20 K/BB ratio over 17 innings in 14 appearances with the A’s.

Murdock was a Rule 5 draft pick by the A’s in December from the Royals, so the Athletics have to keep the 26-year-old on the roster for the entire season. He’ll likely be a low-leverage reliever to begin the season, but could work into a more relevant role by the end of the campaign.

Murdock is a product of Virginia who forged a 3.16 ERA over 46 appearances; the last 30 of those in Triple-A with Omaha. The Athletics will give him a chance to earn one of the final spots in their bullpen to begin 2025.