George Kirby has quickly become one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers. He was born on February 4, 1998, in Rye, New York. The Seattle Mariners picked him in the first round (20th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft after his standout college career at Elon University.
George Kirby currently earns $4,300,000 per year with the Seattle Mariners, and his net worth has reached about $4,520,410 since starting his MLB career.
Kirby debuted in the major leagues on May 8, 2022. He wowed fans and analysts with his pinpoint control and confident presence on the mound.
After signing his first contract worth $3.24 million with the Mariners, he started to see bigger paychecks as his on-field performance improved. His pitching skills have kept him in the Mariners’ rotation and set him up for even larger contracts down the line.
Kirby’s financial journey really mirrors his rapid growth as a player. His original contract followed an impressive college run, and his current $4.3 million salary shows just how much the Mariners trust his abilities.
As he continues to cement himself in the majors, plenty of baseball analysts expect his market value to climb in the next few years.
Early Life and Background
George Kirby’s path to Major League Baseball started in his hometown, where his family and local opportunities shaped his early years.
His early development set the stage for his later success as a pro pitcher.
Family and Hometown
George Joseph Kirby was born on February 4, 1998, in Rye, New York. Rye sits about 30 miles northeast of New York City.
Kirby discovered his love for baseball young. The town’s strong youth sports programs helped him develop his athletic talent.
His family played a big part in supporting his baseball dreams. While you won’t find a ton of public info about his parents or siblings, it’s clear their encouragement mattered.
Like a lot of pro athletes, Kirby probably spent endless hours practicing, with family members shuttling him to games and workouts.
Folks in Rye still take pride in the local kid who made it to the majors.
Education and Baseball Beginnings
Kirby went to Rye High School, where he made a name for himself as a standout pitcher. His high school career highlighted his natural talent and growing skill set.
After high school, he chose Elon University in North Carolina. At Elon, he kept developing as a pitcher while working on his degree.
Kirby’s college years brought steady progress and more attention for his pitching.
His performance at Elon led the Seattle Mariners to pick him in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft. As the 20th overall selection, Kirby showed impressive potential and skill.
This draft spot marked the end of his early baseball days and the start of his pro career.
Professional Baseball Career
George Kirby’s climb through the baseball world highlights his standout pitching and quick development. He’s gone from minor league hopeful to a key piece of the Mariners’ rotation.
Minor League Journey
The Seattle Mariners picked Kirby in the first round (20th overall) of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Elon University. He wasted no time making an impression in the farm system.
He started his minor league career with the Everett AquaSox in Short-Season A ball.
Even though the 2020 minor league season got canceled because of COVID-19, Kirby kept moving up the ranks. In 2021, he split his time between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas.
He showed off elite control and a knack for striking batters out.
Kirby’s minor league stats showed what made him special: he threw strikes at an incredible rate and rarely walked hitters.
Scouts praised his command, calling it among the best in the minors at the time.
MLB Debut and Progression
Kirby made his MLB debut on May 8, 2022, against the Tampa Bay Rays. He tossed six scoreless innings, struck out seven, and didn’t walk anyone—a perfect intro to the big leagues.
His rookie year proved he belonged as a starter. By 2023, Kirby took another step forward.
He pitched more innings and kept up his excellent control, while also adding new pitches to his arsenal.
In 2024, Kirby kept rising among American League pitchers. In 2025, he landed on the 15-day injured list, but the Mariners sent him to the Tacoma Rainiers for a rehab assignment on May 4. His recovery seemed to be going well.
Key Achievements with Mariners
Kirby’s time in Seattle has already brought some impressive milestones. He’s become known for his control, breaking Mariners records for consecutive strikes thrown.
His 2023 season stood out—he posted career-best numbers in several categories and even got All-Star consideration.
The Mariners have recognized his value, bumping his contract up to a $4,300,000 salary for 2025. That’s a big jump from the rookie scale.
Analysts often highlight Kirby’s four-seam fastball and breaking pitches as top-tier.
He’s become a mainstay in Seattle’s rotation and a favorite among fans at T-Mobile Park. When Kirby’s on the mound, his precision really draws a crowd.
George Kirby Contract Details
George Kirby’s financial journey with the Mariners has changed a lot since his MLB debut in 2022. His current deal shows just how much his value has grown.
Initial Contracts and Negotiations
The Mariners selected Kirby with the 20th pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. As a first-rounder out of Elon, he signed his initial contract with a bonus that matched his draft slot.
His minor league contract followed the usual path for top prospects. The Mariners moved him up quickly, showing they believed in his talent.
On May 8, 2022, the Mariners selected Kirby’s contract and brought him up to the majors. That was the payoff for all the development and negotiations.
Kirby’s first big league salary matched what rookies get under the MLB collective bargaining agreement. It gave him some job security while he settled in as a starter.
Current Contract Terms
For the 2025 season, George Kirby is playing under a one-year, $4.3 million contract with the Mariners. That’s a big jump from his earlier salary of $758,300.
Here’s what his deal includes:
- $4,300,000 guaranteed
- Average annual salary of $4,300,000
- No deferred payments or complicated incentives
This contract shows how much the Mariners value Kirby as he grows into one of the American League’s more reliable starters.
The raise proves the front office sees just how much he’s contributing.
Kirby has earned it, too—he’s become a key part of the Mariners’ rotation.
His deal gives him fair pay and still offers good value for the team.
Future Contractual Outlook
Kirby’s contract future looks bright as he enters his prime years. With steady performance and growth, he’s putting himself in line for a long-term extension that could set him up financially.
The Mariners will probably look to start extension talks before he hits arbitration. Other young pitchers with Kirby’s profile have landed deals in the $50-100 million range, depending on the length and performance bonuses.
Industry insiders expect negotiations to heat up as Kirby nears arbitration eligibility. The Mariners’ front office has even mentioned wanting to keep their pitching staff together, so Kirby’s a big part of their plans.
A future extension would benefit both sides—Kirby gets security, and the Mariners could lock in a frontline starter at a price that might beat the open market.
Any new deal would need Kirby’s agreement, since it could mean giving up a shot at free agency.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
George Kirby has built up significant financial value during his time with the Mariners. Most of his money comes from baseball contracts, but he’s got more going on financially than just his player salary.
Salary and Earnings Breakdown
Kirby’s main income is his MLB contract with the Mariners. As of 2025, he’s making a salary of $4,300,000 each year.
That’s a big jump from his earlier pay of $758,300.
His financial growth really matches his value on the field. The Mariners picked him 20th overall in the 2019 draft, and his MLB debut on May 8, 2022 kicked off his pro earnings.
Kirby’s salary has grown alongside his stats. In 2023 and 2024, he posted impressive 4.3 and 4.2 fWAR (Wins Above Replacement), proving his worth to the rotation.
Endorsements and Other Revenue
You won’t find a lot of public info about Kirby’s endorsements, but brands have started to notice him. As a young pitcher who keeps performing, his marketability is only going up.
He probably has some regional deals in the Seattle area—those are common for rising players.
Baseball gear companies often sign pitchers like Kirby to promote gloves, cleats, and training gear.
He’s got a clean public image and a professional vibe, which makes him appealing to brands. MLB pitchers usually land deals with sports apparel, equipment companies, and local businesses.
Wealth Management and Investments
Kirby’s net worth is estimated at $4,520,410, which comes from his MLB pay and possible investment returns.
Like most pros, he probably works with financial advisors to manage his growing wealth.
Common investment moves for MLB players include:
- Real estate in stable markets
- Stock portfolios managed by pros
- Business ventures that fit personal interests
- Conservative savings for life after baseball
Financial analysts say players like Kirby usually focus on building wealth while they’re still active. He’s still young in the league, so he’s more about growth than preservation right now.
With a chance for bigger contracts if he keeps performing, Kirby’s financial team likely plans for all kinds of scenarios—injuries, career changes, and life after baseball.
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