Introduction
George Joseph Kirby is one of the rising young arms in Major League Baseball. Selected in the first round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners, Kirby has quickly made his presence felt thanks to his elite control, poise on the mound, and steadily improving performance. In this article, we’ll cover his high school roots, draft story, age and background, where he is from, and his contract status.
High School & Early Life
Born on February 4, 1998, Kirby hails from the city of Rye, New York, a suburban community about 30 miles northeast of New York City.
He attended Rye High School in his hometown, where his baseball talent first drew serious attention. During his high school career, Kirby developed into a dominant pitcher. According to a local media piece, by his senior year in 2016 he boasted a 6-0 record, an ERA of 0.32, and 73 strikeouts in 43⅓ innings pitched.
His high school coach Mike Bruno remarked on his competitiveness:
“George is the most competitive guy I’ve coached here.”
Kirby’s high school success laid the foundation for his college and professional path. Notably, he was originally selected by the New York Mets in the 32nd round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft out of Rye High, but declined to sign and opted for college instead.
Key high school take-aways
-
High school: Rye High School, Rye, NY.
-
Senior season record: 6-0, ERA 0.32, 73 K in ~43⅓ IP.
-
Recognition: Ranked No. 2 right-handed pitcher in New York state by Perfect Game in 2016.
-
Chose college path rather than signing immediately after high school.
College Career & Draft
After graduating from Rye High, Kirby attended Elon University in Elon, North Carolina, where he further refined his pitching. His college tenure saw consistent improvement: by his junior year (2019) he posted an 8-2 record with a 2.75 ERA, striking out 107 batters while walking only six over 88.1 innings.
This performance earned him the Colonial Athletic Association (“CAA”) Pitcher of the Year in 2019.
2019 MLB Draft
Kirby’s college achievements culminated in his selection in the first round of the 2019 MLB First-Year Player Draft, being picked 20th overall by the Seattle Mariners.
Upon signing, he inked a contract with a reported signing bonus of approximately US$3.24 million.
Important milestones:
-
Drafted: 2019, 1st round (#20 overall) by the Seattle Mariners.
-
Signing bonus: approx. $3.24 million.
-
College record: standout junior year with elite strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Where Is He From & Age
As mentioned, Kirby was born in Rye, New York. His birthplace and upbringing in the northeastern suburbs of New York City have remained part of his identity.
At the time of writing (October 2025), Kirby is 27 years old. His birthdate of February 4 1998 means he turned 27 earlier this year.
His physical profile: height 6 ft 4 in (193 cm), weight approx. 215 lb (97 kg), bats right, throws right.
Contract and Professional Status
Since being drafted and signing with the Mariners, Kirby has progressed from the minor leagues to the major leagues, and his contract status reflects his rising role.
Major League Debut & Career
Kirby made his MLB debut on May 8, 2022, at age 24.
As of now, the contract information for 2025 shows he is signed through the 2025 season for approximately US$4.3 million for that year.
Contract Timeline Highlights
-
2019: Signed for ~$3.24 million after being drafted.
-
2025: Base salary ~ $4.3 million, through 2025.
-
Service time: As of January 2025, 2.151 years of MLB service time.
-
Future outlook: Arbitration eligible in 2026; free agent eligibility projected for 2029.
This contract reflects Kirby’s status as a young, ascending starter, valued for his control and consistency.
Why George Kirby Matters
Kirby stands out for several reasons that make him a key figure to follow:
-
Elite control: In college, his strikeout-to-walk ratio was among the best in Division I.
-
Advanced pitchability: His mechanics and delivery have been praised by scouting reports, and he has swiftly risen through the minors to the majors.
-
Youth + stability: At 27 and with several years ahead, the Mariners appear to view him as a core rotation piece.
-
Hometown connection: Growing up in Rye, New York, his journey from high school standout to major-league starter offers an inspiring narrative.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
Here are some of the key storylines for Kirby going forward:
-
Performance consistency: Can he maintain a sub-4.00 ERA or better and keep WHIP (walks + hits per inning pitched) low as he accumulates innings in the majors?
-
Injury risk & workload: As a starter with good control, durability will be important for his long-term value.
-
Contract evolution: With arbitration eligible in 2026, his salary may jump significantly if performance merits.
-
Role within Mariners’ rotation: Will he anchor the rotation long term, become an ace, or face competition from incoming talent?
-
Hometown and community engagement: His continued connection to Rye and perhaps giving back may add to his off-field profile.
Summary
-
High School: Attended Rye High School (Rye, NY); standout pitcher with a near-perfect senior year.
-
Draft: Selected 20th overall in the 2019 MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners; signed for ~$3.24 million.
-
Age / From: Born February 4, 1998 (age 27 in 2025); from Rye, New York.
-
Contract: Through 2025 with a base salary of ~$4.3 million; arbitration eligible 2026, free agency projected 2029.
-
Why he matters: Elite control, youth, steadily rising trajectory, and strong hometown story.
