George Kirby Delivers in Rookie Year for Seattle Mariners

George Kirby's Impressive Rookie Campaign With The Mariners

The Seattle Mariners have a bright future ahead with the emergence of rookie pitcher George Kirby. The 24-year-old was selected by the Mariners with the 20th overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft and he did not disappoint in his first season in the big leagues in 2022.

Kirby's Path to the Majors

Kirby played college baseball at Elon University where he posted a 2.87 ERA with 196 strikeouts over his three-year collegiate career. The Mariners saw great potential in the young right-hander and took him in the first round of the draft. After steadily progressing through the minor league system, Kirby earned the call up to the majors in May 2022.

Immediate Success in the Majors

The Mariners were careful with Kirby early on, putting him on a pitch limit and not having him go too deep into games. However, it was clear right away that he had the stuff to get major league hitters out. Kirby started 12 games for the Mariners in 2022, posting a 3.39 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 103 strikeouts over 86 innings. He demonstrated excellent control, only walking 22 batters all season.

One of the most impressive things about Kirby was his consistency. He gave up more than 3 runs only twice all season. Even against top offenses like the Astros, Kirby held his own and kept the Mariners in the game. The poise and maturity Kirby displayed as a rookie was very encouraging for Seattle.

Kirby's Repertoire and Pitching Style

George Kirby possesses a four-pitch mix of a four-seam fastball, changeup, slider and curveball. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and tops out around 97 mph with movement. He uses his changeup effectively against left-handed hitters. Kirby's slider is also an above-average offering with sharp late break.

Kirby pounds the strike zone with all his pitches, rarely beating himself with walks or wild pitches. He has been praised for his calm demeanor on the mound and competitive fire. Kirby works quickly and efficiently, which allows him to go deep into games despite the pitch limits.

Future Outlook for Kirby

The Mariners have to be thrilled with what they saw from George Kirby in his first season. He proved he can get major league hitters out consistently with his electric stuff. The team will likely remove the restrictions on Kirby next season and let him pitch deeper into games.

Kirby has all the attributes to become a top of the rotation starter - excellent command, swing-and-miss stuff, and the mentality to succeed in high leverage situations. If he can progress how the Mariners hope, Kirby and reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray could be a dominant one-two punch for years to come in Seattle.

At just 24 years old, the ceiling is extremely high for George Kirby. His rookie season was very promising and he will now look to build on that success. Kirby's emergence is a major bright spot for a Mariners club on the rise. Expect to see his #23 jersey pitching meaningful games in Seattle for a long time.

FAQs

When did George Kirby make his MLB debut?

George Kirby made his Major League Baseball debut on May 8, 2022 with the Seattle Mariners.

What was George Kirby's record in his rookie season?

In 2022, Kirby made 12 starts for the Mariners, compiling a record of 6-3 with a 3.39 ERA.

How many strikeouts did George Kirby have in 2022?

Kirby totaled 103 strikeouts over 86 innings pitched in his rookie campaign.

What pitches does George Kirby throw?

Kirby has a four-seam fastball, changeup, slider and curveball in his pitching repertoire.

Will the Mariners have an innings limit for Kirby in 2023?

The Mariners will likely remove Kirby's innings limits next season after easing him in carefully in his rookie year.