Mason Black has quickly become one of baseball’s most intriguing young pitchers since making his MLB debut on May 6, 2024. At just 25, the right-hander from Scranton, Pennsylvania, is already turning heads with the San Francisco Giants.
The Giants picked him in the third round (85th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Lehigh University. Mason Black signed a one-year contract with the Giants for $740,000 in 2024, playing under pre-arbitration as he starts his major league journey.
Baseball has been part of Black’s life since his childhood in Archbald, Pennsylvania. Born December 10, 1999, he worked his way up the Giants’ farm system after signing with the team post-draft.
His path from college standout to MLB pitcher took years of commitment.
Black’s career is just getting started, but analysts already see his potential. The Giants can evaluate him at the big-league level without a long-term contract just yet.
With 2025 on the horizon, fans and the front office are keeping a close eye on how this young pitcher grows on the sport’s biggest stage.
Early Life and Background
Mason Black’s story starts in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He was born there on December 10, 1999.
He grew up surrounded by family support and a focus on academics, which set the stage for his baseball career.
Family and Upbringing
Mason Peter Black spent his childhood in Scranton, a city that values hard work and community. While there isn’t much public info about his family, his Pennsylvania upbringing shaped his athletic path.
That region of northeastern Pennsylvania has produced its share of notable baseball players. Black learned to pitch in local leagues, showing early promise as a hard-throwing righty.
The chilly Pennsylvania weather meant shorter baseball seasons, but that never stopped him from working on his game.
He eventually grew to 6’3″ and 228 pounds, a frame that definitely fits the mold of a pro pitcher.
Education and Amateur Career
Black chose Lehigh University, balancing schoolwork with his growing baseball ambitions. At Lehigh, he stood out on the mound and drew plenty of attention from pro scouts.
His college years set the stage for his pro future, leading to his selection by the San Francisco Giants in the 3rd round (85th overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft.
That draft position showed scouts saw something special in his pitching.
Before turning pro, Black sharpened his skills in amateur leagues and college games. Those years at Lehigh gave him a chance to refine his pitching mechanics and build the stamina needed for pro ball.
His academic background probably helped him approach the game with a smart, strategic mindset.
Mason Black’s Professional Baseball Career
Since the Giants drafted him in 2021, Mason Black has moved up the ranks quickly. His rise from college ace to pro pitcher highlights his growth as a top young arm for the Giants.
Major Leagues Debut
Mason Black made his MLB debut with the Giants in 2023. As the highest-drafted pitcher in Lehigh’s history, he went in the third round (85th overall) in 2021.
He reached the majors faster than most college pitchers, showing he was ready for the next level. Black earned his debut after strong performances in the minors, where he showed command and composure.
During his first big-league game, Black showed the calm and poise scouts had raved about. At 6’3″ and 228 pounds, he made an instant impression on fans and analysts.
Key Career Milestones
Black built his résumé in college, posting a 7-3 record with a 3.11 ERA in his final season. After signing, he moved up the Giants’ farm system in a hurry.
He hit a key milestone when the Giants added him to their 40-man roster. That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and showed the team’s belief in his future.
Black’s progress has come from improving his pitch mix, especially his fastball-slider combo. He keeps his velocity late into games, which has helped him move up the ranks.
Performance and Achievements
Born December 10, 1999, Black has already made a mark by 25. The Giants’ contract with him signals their investment in his growth.
He signed a one-year deal most recently, though the full details aren’t public. His play has put him in the mix for starting spots and important bullpen roles.
Some of his professional highlights include:
- Excellent strikeout-to-walk ratios
- Steady ground ball rates
- Good results against both lefties and righties
The Giants have praised Black’s work ethic and his willingness to adapt. He listens to coaches and uses advanced stats to tweak his approach, speeding up his development.
Contract Details and Negotiations
Mason Black started his pro career with the Giants, and his contract history reflects his potential and progress as he moves toward MLB regular status.
Signing Bonuses and Initial Agreements
When the Giants drafted Black, he got a signing bonus of $710,700. That matched the slot value for his draft spot, showing the team wanted to lock him up.
Black’s first contract put him in the Giants’ minor league system, following standard rookie terms. Like most draft picks, his contract allowed for advancement based on performance and development.
The Giants made it clear from the start that Black was part of their long-term plans.
Contract Extensions and Terms
In 2025, Black’s status changed when the Giants added him to their 40-man roster. On March 5, 2025, they optioned him to the Sacramento River Cats, their Triple-A affiliate, putting him on the doorstep of regular MLB action.
His current contract with the Giants is for 1 year, keeping him under team control and giving both sides flexibility. The terms follow MLB norms for players at his experience level, including minor league assignments and MLB service time.
His attorneys set up the deal to give him future earning potential while providing financial security now. Since he’s still pre-arbitration, he hasn’t gone through the arbitration process that comes later in a player’s career.
Net Worth and Financial Overview
Mason Black’s finances reflect the early days of a pro baseball career with the Giants. His compensation includes his MLB contract and possible extra income.
Income Sources and Endorsements
Most of Black’s income comes from his 1-year contract with the Giants. As a developing player, his salary is modest compared to MLB veterans.
Young players usually earn near the MLB minimum salary, which is around $700,000-$750,000 a year. His earnings can change depending on how much time he spends in the majors versus the minors.
Endorsement deals for new players like Black are pretty limited. Most start with small local sponsors or equipment deals, and bigger endorsements usually come after they’ve proven themselves in MLB.
Investments and Assets
Black’s investments are probably still in the early stages. Most young athletes work with advisors to build wealth over time.
Players at Black’s stage usually focus on:
- Real estate: Buying a home or maybe investing in rental properties
- Retirement accounts: MLB pension plans and 401(k)s
- Savings: Keeping cash on hand for emergencies
The MLB Players Association offers financial education to help players avoid common pitfalls. These programs stress smart money management and long-term planning.
Thanks to collective bargaining between MLB and the players union, Black benefits from minimum salary rules and standard benefits.
Personal Life and Off-Field Activities
Off the field, Mason Black keeps a balanced life, giving back to his community and building a positive reputation. His personal interests show his values and where he comes from.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Since joining the Giants, Black has gotten involved in community service. He takes part in the Giants Community Fund, which helps underserved youth in Northern California.
During the off-season, Black often heads back home to run youth baseball clinics. He teaches kids the basics and stresses the importance of education and character.
“Working with kids reminds me why I fell in love with baseball in the first place,” he said in a team interview.
He’s also teamed up with Bay Area literacy programs, encouraging elementary students to read. His own time at Lehigh inspired his commitment to education.
Relationships and Public Image
Black keeps his personal life pretty private, even as his MLB profile grows. Occasionally, he shares family moments on social media, but he doesn’t talk much about relationships.
Teammates call him “grounded” and “approachable.” That reputation has helped him avoid the drama that sometimes follows pro athletes.
He brings a thoughtful, measured approach to media interviews. Analysts have noticed he handles both praise and criticism with a steady hand.
His clean-cut image appeals to sponsors, but he’s picky about endorsements to stay authentic with fans. That careful approach has helped him build a strong reputation on and off the field.
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