If you’ve spent any time looking at a George Kirby game log lately, you know it’s been a weird ride. One day he’s the second coming of Greg Maddux, painting corners like a master artist. The next? He’s getting tagged for eight runs in an ALCS game that left Seattle fans staring blankly at their TVs.
Honestly, 2025 was the most confusing year of his career. He finished with a 10-8 record and a 4.21 ERA—numbers that look "fine" but tell a total lie about who he actually was on the mound.
The Numbers Hidden in the George Kirby Game Log
Most people just see the ERA jump from 3.53 in 2024 to 4.21 in 2025 and assume he fell off. They’re wrong. Basically, Kirby decided to trade a little bit of his legendary "I never walk anyone" safety net for raw, unadulterated power.
His strikeout rate spiked to a career-high 26.1%. That’s nasty. In a single game against the Angels on September 14, he punched out 14 batters. Fourteen! You don't do that by just being a "control specialist." You do that by overpowering professional hitters.
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But there was a cost. A shoulder inflammation issue cost him nearly three months at the start of the season. When he came back, the George Kirby game log became a game of extremes. He threw seven scoreless innings against the Orioles on August 12, looking like a Cy Young contender. Then, October happened.
That Brutal ALCS Performance
We have to talk about Game 3. It was ugly.
Kirby got shelled by the Blue Jays for eight earned runs in just four innings. He gave up home runs to George Springer and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. back-to-back. It was the kind of outing that makes you want to delete your social media and go into hiding.
But look at how he responded. In Game 7—the biggest game of the year—he went out and shoved. He only went four innings because the Mariners were managing his pitch count after the injury-shortened year, but he allowed just one run. He left with a lead. The bullpen blew it later, sure, but Kirby proved he has the "dawg" in him.
Pitch Mix: What Actually Changed?
He isn't just a "fastball-slider" guy anymore. According to Statcast data from the 2025 season, Kirby leaned heavily on a four-pitch mix:
- Slider (87 mph): His primary weapon, sweeping across the zone.
- Sinker (96 mph): Blazing speed with late movement.
- Four-seamer (96 mph): High spin, lots of "whiffs."
- Curveball (84 mph): A "worm killer" that generated a massive amount of groundballs.
He even experimented with a splitter and a cutter. The splitter is interesting because it’s becoming his "out" pitch against lefties. If he masters that in 2026, the league is in trouble.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The Mariners just signed him to a one-year, $6.55 million contract to avoid arbitration. That's a $2.25 million raise. Clearly, the front office isn't worried about that 4.21 ERA. They see the 3.39 SIERA (Skill-Interactive ERA), which basically says he pitched way better than the surface results showed.
He’s 27 now. Entering his prime. If he stays healthy, he’s a top-10 pitcher in the American League, hands down.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners
- Buy the Dip: In fantasy leagues, Kirby's ADP (Average Draft Position) is sitting around #68. People are scared of the shoulder injury. Don't be. His 9.8 K/9 ratio is elite.
- Watch the First Inning: In 2025, Kirby struggled early in games after his injury. If he settles in through the first 15 pitches, he’s usually lights out.
- The "Walk" Narrative is Dead: Stop expecting him to walk zero people. He’s attacking the zone more aggressively now. He’ll give up a few more free passes (2.1 BB/9), but the trade-off is more strikeouts and fewer "contact" hits.
Keep an eye on his first few starts of 2026. If the velocity is sitting at 96-97 mph early in April, he’s going to have a monster year. The George Kirby game log for 2026 might just be the one that ends with a Cy Young trophy on his mantle.