Royals Pitcher Mason Black Impresses in Spring Training

The right-hander has added a curveball and embraced a new perspective with the Kansas City organization.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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After adding a curveball and focusing on trusting himself this offseason, Kansas City Royals right-hander Mason Black is already seeing results early in Spring Training. The 26-year-old pitcher has worked with the Royals' coaching staff to refine his repertoire, and his early spring performances have been a "breath of fresh air" according to manager Matt Quatraro.

Why it matters

Black's successful transition to the Royals organization could provide a boost to their pitching staff this season. The team is still evaluating his role, whether as a reliever, spot starter, or some combination, but his early progress is an encouraging sign for the Royals as they look to improve on their 2025 campaign.

The details

Black, who was acquired from the San Francisco Giants in November 2025, has appeared in four games this spring, totaling five innings with six strikeouts and a 1.20 WHIP. He has worked on adding a curveball to his repertoire, which previously leaned heavily on his four-seam fastball and sweeper. The Royals' coaching staff, including assistant pitching coach Mike McFerran, have provided support to help Black settle into the organization.

  • Black made his lone MLB appearance of the 2025 season on July 4 against the Athletics in Sacramento.
  • The Royals acquired Black from the San Francisco Giants shortly after he was designated for assignment in November 2025.

The players

Mason Black

A 26-year-old right-handed pitcher who was acquired by the Kansas City Royals from the San Francisco Giants in November 2025.

Matt Quatraro

The manager of the Kansas City Royals.

Mike McFerran

The assistant pitching coach for the Kansas City Royals.

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What they’re saying

“That's been a big help just getting into this organization, having the support staff around us here. Just [to] take the ball whenever they ask me to, whether that be starting, mid relief, short relief. I'm good with whatever [I have to do] to go out there and try to throw zeros.”

— Mason Black (mlb.com)

“He's been great. He's been really approachable, a good teammate, really coachable with the guys. So he's been a real breath of fresh air.”

— Matt Quatraro, Manager (mlb.com)

What’s next

The Royals are continuing to build Black up while evaluating where he best fits on the pitching staff, whether as a reliever, spot starter, or some combination.

The takeaway

Black's successful transition to the Royals organization, marked by his willingness to learn and embrace the team's coaching, could provide a much-needed boost to the Royals' pitching staff as they look to improve upon their 2025 campaign.