The Athletics selected 6-foot-8 right-handed pitcher Noah Murdock from the Kansas City Royals‘ Triple-A roster with their first pick in the Rule 5 Draft.
Murdock, 26, was originally drafted by the Royals in the seventh round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Virginia. After transitioning to a relief role in 2023, he has seen improved results, posting ERAs of 2.22 and 3.76 in 2023 and 2024 across Double-A and Triple-A, although his walk rates have remained notably high.
In 2023, Murdock posted a 14.7% walk rate, which increased to 15.8% in 2024. This walk rate will need to improve for him to stick at the major league level. However, he also recorded strong strikeout numbers, with a 25.5% strikeout rate in 2023 and a 27.9% rate in 2024, thanks to his three plus pitches.
FanGraphs notes that Murdock’s sinker, which features above-average movement, could be a key pitch for him if he can keep it down in the zone. He also throws a slider (81-85 mph) and a cutter (87-90 mph), both of which share similar shapes but differ in velocity.
Murdock’s profile resembles that of Joe Boyle, another pitcher with potential but command issues. While the Athletics already have a solid bullpen, Murdock’s intriguing “stuff” makes him a worthwhile gamble in the Rule 5 Draft.
Additionally, Murdock boasts high ground ball rates, with a 62.1% ground ball rate over 38 1/3 innings in Triple-A last season. With the A’s moving to a new stadium, Sutter Health Park, which may be more hitter-friendly than the Oakland Coliseum, the team is targeting pitchers with high ground ball rates to help mitigate the effects of the new ballpark.
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