“The A’s, however, always were willing to allow Murray to participate in both the combine and draft and gather as much information as possible before making his decision, according to major-league sources. The team also holds a trump card – the ability to offer Murray a major-league contract on top of his $4.66 million signing bonus as the ninth overall selection in the 2018 baseball draft.

A major-league contract, unlike rookie contracts in the NFL, comes with no financial restrictions. Murray is unlikely to be drafted No. 1 when he is listed at only 5-foot-10, but it’s quite possible he will be chosen in the top half of the first round.

The No. 1 pick in last year’s NFL draft, quarterback Baker Mayfield, received a guarantee of $32.7 million. The No. 10 pick, quarterback Josh Rosen, received $17.6 million. The sizes of the guarantees at each draft slot rise every year, but the Athletics, in essence, will have the final say.

They know they can top any financial offer Murray receives from the NFL, no matter where he is selected.”