Here’s a bold statement: George Kirby, the Seattle Mariners’ right-handed pitching phenom, might just be on the cusp of something extraordinary—but only if he cracks the code to his untapped potential. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not about his velocity or command, which are already elite. It’s about finding that one secondary pitch that could elevate him from great to legendary. Let’s dive in.
Since his debut in 2022, Kirby has been nothing short of remarkable. Pitchers who consistently hit the upper-90s with pinpoint control are rare, and Kirby’s talent has drawn comparisons to Hall of Famer Greg Maddux—but with an extra 10 mph on his fastball. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic. His early career stats speak for themselves: a sixth-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting in 2022, an All-Star nod in 2023, and a career ERA that’s never climbed above 3.53. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite these accolades, Kirby’s 2025 season was inconsistent, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he’s truly reached his peak—or if there’s more to come.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Could Kirby’s delayed start to the 2025 season, due to a shoulder injury, be more than just a setback? Or was it a sign that he’s still searching for that game-changing secondary pitch? During a recent episode of Bump and Stacy on Seattle Sports, co-host Stacy Rost hinted that Kirby’s untapped potential might lie in his pitch repertoire. Yahoo Sports’ Jordan Shusterman echoed this sentiment, pointing out that while Kirby’s fastball and sinker are dominant, he lacks a clear put-away secondary pitch—something that could take him to the next level.
Shusterman drew a parallel to teammate Logan Gilbert, whose splitter became the key to unlocking his strikeout potential. Kirby, meanwhile, posted a career-high 26.7% whiff rate in 2025, but his slider—his most effective non-fastball—only accounted for 33 strikeouts. That’s a far cry from Gilbert’s 90 strikeouts with his splitter. The question is: Could a splitter, or perhaps another breaking ball, be the missing piece for Kirby?
What’s undeniable is Kirby’s command. He’s proven time and again that he can paint the corners with precision. But as Shusterman put it, ‘It’s just about finding the secondary pitch where you can get more swing and miss.’ And that’s the million-dollar question for Kirby heading into 2026: Can he find it?
As we look ahead, Kirby’s potential to bounce back and reach new heights is undeniable. But the path to greatness isn’t just about refining what he already does well—it’s about evolving. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: If Kirby were to add a splitter or another breaking ball to his arsenal, could he become one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball? Or is his current repertoire enough to keep him among the elite? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having.
For more on the Mariners, check out their spring training approach amid the World Baseball Classic, the acquisition of LHP Josh Simpson, and the latest on Kade Anderson’s journey. And don’t forget to tune into Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or catch the podcast on the Seattle Sports app. Follow @ZacHereth for all the latest updates.
