Drafted by San Francisco in 2021 out of Lehigh, Mason Black made 8 starts in 2024 with the team and appeared in only one game for them in 2025.
He spent most of last season in AAA with Sacramento. He pitched 119 innings with 114 strike outs. He learned what it takes to be a professional.
Mason Black, Royals Pitcher(Valley View) says, “Taking risks and challenging myself like I said earlier. And I’m just kind of building that support staff around me. Just every year brings something new, so you have to kind of adapt throughout the season and see what hitters are seeing and, really just try to, you know, stay one step ahead of the hitters. “
In November the Giants traded Black to Kansas City hoping his strikeout potential can land him in the majors with the Royals. The 25-year-old from Valley View is looking forward to a new start.
Black added , “ Yeah, I’m excited to be a new organization for the first time in my career. So not really sure what to expect, but all the, the feedback and everything that I’ve gotten so far has been positive. Excited to get going.
I throw 3 different fastballs, So a 4 seam, sinker cutter and, curveball, slider, changeup. Ide asks, What is your go to pitch ?
Probably a 4 seem and a slider combo? Yeah. Like the sinker to, try to mix it up.
Jake McCarthy has over 1300 at bats at the major league level having now played in 162 games with Arizona. He is arbitration eligible for the first time in his career and wants to stay with the Diamondbacks. He is coming off his worst major league season hitting just 204 with 4 home runs and 20 rbi.
Jake McCarthy, Diamondbacks outfielder(Scranton) says, “A really bad season. I mean, obviously, you know, I think I battled through it and I’m proud of that. But, when you look back at, you know, your numbers and you’re not necessarily excited about it.
So, I think anytime you feel like that, it’s a good opportunity to, you know, sort of reflect and say, I can do this better, this, you know, and last year there was there’s a long list of that. So I’m excited to improve on it. You know, I’m, you know, working to, have a good year. And, I think we have a good ball club, too. So I feel like any time that, you know, you’re invited to a big-league camp, there’s an opportunity to make a club, make an impact. And, you know, I’m really excited about that. “
Jake McCarthy is now back home in Arizona awaiting arbitration and hopefully will be with the Diamondbacks in spring training. Mason Black and the Royals also have spring training in the desert, and he’s looking for a spot in the Kansas City rotation.