Authors Note: George Kirby had a very memorable rookie season, one that deserves a second look. Consider this article “part one” of two - next time, we’ll do a deep-dive into some analytics and pitch data and talk about dumb stuff like RV/100 and active spin.
Between June 3rd, 2019 (when he was selected 20th overall by the Seattle Mariners) and May 8th, 2022 (his first appearance in the big leagues), George Kirby’s billing had changed significantly. 2018/2019 Kirby carried a reputation of being a soft-tosser, albeit one with a pinpoint fastball and clean mechanics that would likely carry him towards a relatively high-floor, mid-to-back-end starter-type future.