So the new Deadspin article answered my Q of do the A’s get a compensation pick. (They do not cause Murray has signed)
But:
Obviously he has to return the money now if he does not play for the A’s but, if he had a crippling car wreck before this kerfuffle would he have to return the five million signing bonus? What about NOW since they are in some kind of negotiation and he has indicated he may not play barring an increase in money?
How long does Murray have to play for the A’s before he can keep his signing bonus? Couldn’t he play one year and then quit for football?
And had this not happened do you think a football team would have used a draft pick on him?
It would really depend on his contract, I would think. I’m not sure if MLB has certain rules but, at least in the NFL, stuff like this is left up to the contract and whether’s it guaranteed for injury, the effect of off-field injuries, etc.
For what it’s worth, Chris Borland was a third-round pick for the 49ers who retired after his rookie year. He paid back the 49ers three-fourths of his signing bonus (since his deal was for four years), but he did so on his own. The 49ers probably would’ve gone after it anyways though, since the NFL CBA allows teams to do so. Again, not sure about MLB specifically.
The NFL still hasn’t had their draft yet, that’s in April.