MLB willing to break the rules for Kyler Murray

The Oakland Athletics met with Kyler Murray on Sunday with hopes of talking him out of entering the NFL Draft. Murray reportedly wanted a restructured deal.

During a meeting in Dallas today, the possibility of Oakland guaranteeing money in addition to Murray's $4.66 million signing bonus was raised, sources tell ESPN. To do so, Oakland would need to add Murray to its 40-man roster. He still could develop in the minor leagues.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 13, 2019

It was initially reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN that MLB would be willing to “waive a rule that prevents teams from giving major league contracts to recently drafted players.” But as it turns out, that would not be necessary.

Want $250 to bet on MLB futures?

The next question would of course be, what would Murray want?

Rumors had swirled on Sunday that he wants $15 million from the A’s. But both Passan and Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle later noted that this is not quite accurate.

There’s an awful lot to sort through before Murray and the A’s reach a new deal. Oakland would need to be willing to give Murray whatever he wants.

Read: Tom Brady is Fine with People Doubting the Patriots

I am told that $15 million figure being cited as Murray's request to A's is inaccurate (the figure is too high, source says), but the A's and Murray's representatives are working on trying something creative to accommodate him, thus today's meeting. MLB would have to OK.

— Susan Slusser (@susanslusser) January 13, 2019

Kyler Murray is likely still at least two years away from the majors. Giving Murray a new deal when he’s still so far away from the majors would be far easier said than done — especially for a small market, small budget team.