The Royals lost this pitcher in MLB’s Rule 5 Draft. They just brought him back
The Kansas City Royals reunited with a familiar face this week. On Monday, the Royals welcomed back former prospect Noah Murdock from the Athletics.
Murdock, 26, was selected fourth overall in the 2025 Rule 5 Draft. Murdock, a pitcher, made his MLB debut with the Athletics earlier this season. In 14 games, Murdock posted a 13.24 ERA while surrendering 25 runs in 17 innings.
The Athletics sent $100,000 to the Royals in exchange for Murdock in December. Last week, Murdock was designated for assignment. Murdock cleared outright waivers and was offered back to the Royals, per MLB rules.
KC agreed to reacquire Murdock. The club sent $50,000 to the Athletics and assigned him to Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals initially selected Murdock in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft.
“It’s a great arm,” Royals assistant general manager Scott Sharp said. “And, you know, it’s somebody we were upset and anticipated we might lose in the Rule 5. Certainly upset that we did. The ability to get him back was a no-brainer for us. We were going to accept him back.”
Murdock was not placed on the Royals’ 40-man roster. He will get a chance to reset with the Omaha Storm Chasers as a reliever.
“We like Noah, and we know him well,” Sharp said. “We considered putting him on the 40-man roster throughout the offseason prior to the reserve list. We didn’t and he immediately becomes an option if we were needing to add someone to the roster.”
Murdock is listed at 6-foot-8. He offers a power dynamic with a hard sinker and cutter combination. He also pairs a sweeper and changeup.
This season, Murdock struggled with his command. He walked 20 batters as opponents hit .347 against him. The Royals hope he can revert to his 2024 form in Triple-A Omaha.
“He knows what it takes now,” Sharp said. “Everybody that we spoke to with the Athletics raved about him. Obviously, they are very competitive and were in a position where they had to make some roster moves. And he sort of had the short straw.”
Murdock posted a 3.16 ERA across two minor-league levels in 2024.
This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 7:03 PM.
