Noah Murdock Bio
Noah James Murdock, born on August 20, 1998, is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is currently in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization after being selected in the 2025 Rule 5 draft by the Athletics and later returning to the Kansas City Royals system. Murdock made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2025 with the Athletics before being designated for assignment. Standing out as a right-handed arm, he has navigated a long minor-league journey marked by persistence, transition, and a brief taste of the highest level.
Early Life and Background
Noah James Murdock grew up in Colonial Heights, Virginia, where he attended Colonial Heights High School. During his time there, he developed into a promising pitching prospect and drew the attention of MLB scouts. In 2016, the Washington Nationals selected him in the 38th round of the MLB draft, reflecting his raw potential on the mound.
Although the Nationals showed early interest, Murdock chose to honor his college commitment and pursue further development at the collegiate level. This decision reflected both his long-term outlook and a desire to refine his skills against stronger competition. His high school years laid the foundation for the next stage of his baseball career.
Path to Professional Baseball
After high school, Murdock enrolled at the University of Virginia, where he played college baseball for the Virginia Cavaliers. His time in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) provided him with a competitive environment that helped him grow as a pitcher. The college experience sharpened his mechanics and prepared him for the rigors of professional baseball.
In 2019, the Kansas City Royals drafted Murdock in the seventh round, with the 199th overall selection. This selection marked his official entry into professional baseball. He signed with the Royals and was assigned to the rookie-level Burlington Royals, where his professional journey officially began.
Noah Murdock Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Murdock made his professional debut in 2019 with the rookie-level Burlington Royals. Across 11 appearances, he posted a 2.17 ERA with 43 strikeouts, signaling a strong introduction to professional baseball. The 2020 minor league season, however, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting his development.
Returning in 2021, Murdock joined the High-A Quad Cities River Bandits, where he made 7 appearances, including 6 starts, and recorded a 3.18 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 22 2/3 innings. In 2022, he split the year between Quad Cities and the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals, but struggled with an 0–7 record and a 6.91 ERA across 17 starts. These early seasons were a learning period that tested his resilience.
Royals Development and Bullpen Conversion (2023–2024)
In 2023, Murdock returned to Northwest Arkansas, making 36 appearances and posting a 5.87 ERA with 77 strikeouts over 69 innings. The 2024 season saw him split time between Northwest Arkansas and the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, transitioning to a bullpen role. In 46 combined appearances out of the bullpen, he accumulated a 3.16 ERA with 72 strikeouts across 62 2/3 innings, marking a clear turnaround in performance.
Athletics and MLB Debut (2025)
On December 11, 2024, the Athletics selected Murdock from the Royals in the Rule 5 draft, giving him an unexpected path to the major leagues. On March 17, 2025, Athletics manager Mark Kotsay announced that Murdock had made the team’s Opening Day roster. He made his MLB debut in 2025, fulfilling a career milestone.
In 14 appearances for the Athletics, Murdock struggled to a 13.24 ERA with 21 strikeouts across 17 innings pitched. Following the promotion of Elvis Alvarado on May 9, he was designated for assignment. His brief MLB stint, though statistically difficult, marked the realization of years of work in the minors.
Return to Kansas City and Pittsburgh Signing (2025)
On May 12, 2025, Murdock was returned to the Kansas City Royals organization. He made 16 appearances for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, recording an 0-2 record and 6.00 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 21 innings. On November 6, he elected free agency following the season.
On November 14, 2025, Murdock signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This move provided him a fresh opportunity to continue his professional career and pursue another path back to the major leagues.
Driving Style and Strengths
Murdock has demonstrated an ability to generate strikeouts throughout his minor-league career, peaking with 77 in 2023 and 72 in 2024. His transition to the bullpen in 2024 produced his most effective stretch at 3.16 ERA, suggesting he may be best suited for relief work. His experience at multiple levels reflects adaptability and perseverance.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Murdock’s career highlights are his 2019 selection in the seventh round of the MLB draft and his MLB debut in 2025 with the Athletics. Being named to an Opening Day roster marked a significant milestone, as did his selection in the Rule 5 draft. Each step reflected the long path required to reach the highest level of professional baseball.
Noah Murdock Family
Family Background and Baseball Lineage
Noah James Murdock was raised in Colonial Heights, Virginia, where his early interest in baseball developed. Public details about his family background are limited, and no specific relatives in professional baseball have been publicly documented.
Personal Life
Details about Murdock’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not publicly available. He continues to focus on his professional baseball career, currently operating within the Pittsburgh Pirates organization.
2025 Season Performance
Murdock’s 2025 season was defined by a major transition: his selection in the Rule 5 draft by the Athletics and subsequent MLB debut. He opened the year on Oakland’s big-league roster, but a 13.24 ERA in 14 appearances led to his designation for assignment in early May. The early portion of the season represented a steep learning curve at the major-league level.
Following his return to the Royals organization, Murdock rejoined Triple-A Omaha, where his numbers remained uneven. Across 16 appearances, he posted a 6.00 ERA and 0-2 record, though he did record 20 strikeouts in 21 innings. The mid-season stretch tested his resolve and reaffirmed the challenges of consistent performance.
Murdock concluded the year by electing free agency and signing a minor league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in November 2025. This signing opens a new chapter with a new organization, offering him the chance to rebuild momentum heading into the next season. His 2025 journey, while difficult statistically, was notable for the experience gained and the perseverance shown throughout multiple transitions.