Top 10 Baseball Gloves Review for 2024

Last Updated on December 24, 2023

Baseball is the name for the USA’s pastime, which has kept the citizens of the country entertained for several decades now. I have been a coach of this game for about a decade after I left the field of the AAA league.

Baseball gloves are made of complete cowhide leather, some of the pigskin leather, and some were artificial leather. Then I decided to put some effort into gathering the names of the best baseball gloves for catchers and pitchers. 

Baseball gloves evolved hugely in the past few decades. Yes, there are many baseball brands and categories when it comes to the best baseball gloves, like infield, outfield, catcher, pitcher’s gloves, etc. I will try to distinguish for you which gloves are best for which particular need and when you can use vice-versa. 

Categories of Baseball Gloves

Baseball gloves are divided into five major categories:

1. Catcher’s Gloves

Catcher’s gloves is also known as cather’s mitt. These are one of the most critical sets of gloves when it comes to baseball. The gloves are often used to catch high-speed balls. So, these ones are bigger and with larger pockets.

The thick padding of the catcher’s gloves protects hands from high-speed pitching. Besides, these gloves have closed webbing, deep pocket, and wrist strap for better catching.

2. Pitching gloves

Closed webbing, deep pocket, narrow finger stalls, larger size, and stiffer leather are the core features of pitching gloves in baseball.

Pitchers wear only one glove while playing and so they are manufactured with special features to change the glove from one hand to another. So, you need to be very careful at the time of choosing best pitching gloves.

3. Infielder Gloves

Infielders who are close to the home plate wear these gloves. Infielder gloves are often used, more than outfielder gloves. As a result, the gloves are short, have an open pocket, and all five fingers have different pockets. These let the players work efficiently on the infield.

4. Outfielder Gloves

They are rather bigger and have shorter pockets than a usual infielder glove. The pockets are deeper to hold balls coming from long distances and heights. These gloves tend to be stronger before a break-in. Here you will find Top 3 Wilson Outfield Gloves .

5. First Baseman Gloves

These gloves are particularly made for first basemen. They are bigger than your usual infielder gloves. As they are too close to the ball and need frequent catching the ball, these gloves are more padded and have slightly larger pockets.

For better scooping, first baseman gloves have a deeper and wider pocket to adapt the ball at the time of fielding.

Different Types of Materials for Gloves

Right now, you can find many types of materials being used for gloves in the market. Each material has its own sets of strengths, weaknesses, durability, and break-in ease. The following materials are often seen in good-quality gloves:

Full Grain Leather Gloves

Full leather gloves can be of cowhide, kipskin ie later taken from young cows, pigskin ie leather from pigs, steer hide, etc.

Cowhide and steer hide gloves are the most durable and strong ones. On the other hand, pigskin gloves are soft, while kipskin gloves are quite easy to break in.

You can use cowhide and steer hide gloves are best for games in the diamond field. Other types of leather gloves are for younger players, transitional players, or players who need more comfort than usual.

Synthetic Gloves

Synthetic leather gloves are easy to break in and use without delay for a practice match or training session. Vinyl, PVC, and nylon are common synthetic materials that are used for cheap quality baseball gloves.

Though the price of this glove is lower, they are not durable like leather gloves. Again, you will not feel as much comfortable as you feel while wearing leather gloves.

This type of glove has some advantages also. These gloves are lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean.

Hybrid Gloves

Hybrid gloves are mixed of leather as well as synthetic materials. These hybrid gloves can be of excellent designs as they like to create a collage of all the parts with the best materials they can go for.

That is why many hybrid gloves are often very popular like composite materials bats. If you are looking for good quality gloves but have a low budget then you can easily go for hybrid gloves. This is my recommendation to you.

Mesh

To give lighter weight and greater breathability in baseball gloves, manufacturers use mesh in the back of the gloves. Manufacturers use this material to give a balance in flexibility and durability.

Best Baseball Gloves you Need in 2023

Following is a list of the best baseball gloves I can recommend to you for the upcoming season. For making the list, I first analyzed their usefulness in the field, then I focused on the expenses and who should use it. I will try to explain all the details.

If you cannot understand, please leave a comment. Any question is welcome in the comments. Even if you want, you can check out my other blogs those are particularly on one of the gloves in the list. And if you have already used one of the blogs, you can share your feedback here which will help me and others too. 

Type	Serial	Name	Why	Price Range
Infield	1	Rawlings Heart of the Hide 12.25 inches	Best Infield/outfield Glove	$250-$350
Infield/Pitcher’s Glove	2	Wilson A2K Pitcher’s Glove 11/75″ and 12″	Best Pitcher’s Glove	$300-$350
Infield & Outfield Both	3	Franklin Sports Field Master 12 inches	Best Synthetic Glove	$25-$50
Outfield/Pitcher’s Glove	4	Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Gloves	Most Comfortable Glove	$100-$120
First Base	5	Wilson A2K First Base Gloves	Best First Base Glove	$350-$450
Catcher	6	Rawlings Player Preferred Catcher’s Mitt 33 inches	Best Catcher’s Glove	$70-$100
Allrounder	7	Wilson A2000 Evergreen Slowpitch Gloves 13 inches	Best Slowpitch Fielder’s Gloves	$300-$400
Allrounder	8	Mizuno Prospect Pigskin 10.5 inches	Best Pigskin Youth Gloves	$45-$60
Allrounder	9	Easton Pancake Training Gloves	Best Pancake Gloves	$100-$120
Infield & Outfield Both	10	Franklin Sports Youth Teeball Gloves – 9.5 inches	Best Kids’ Glove	$20-$30

Before telling you about the pros and cons of gloves, I must let you know about an important thing. Most of the MLB players like to use gloves from Rawlings. Then comes Wilson. They are literarily the most preferred brands when it comes to mitts. 

After them, Easton, Mizuno, and Franklin sports come with different varieties of materials and designs. If you like to try different kinds, then you can go through my other blogs on one or two particular models of gloves.

Mentioning the details, I will now move to the details of the best baseball gloves.

1. Rawlings Heart of the Hide 12.25 inches

Rawlings heart of hide is one of the most popular baseball gloves for infielders and outfielders. Not only the blended materials but also the effective design and comfort play the roles to make it my best choice. 

Another critical matter to mention is that the infielder/outfield gloves from this series can be used by pro and college players. I always recommend the any professional players to get this glove whenever I feel they are quite serious about the game.

Even I have one at my own house.

The main material of these gloves is steer hide leather. The premium nad legendary HOH is world-wide renowned leather for high quality and longer durability. Rawlings heart of hide offers additional 25% break-in from the factory and you don’t need to waste your time for lengthy break in before playing.

As infield/outfield gloves are quite big, you can easily take the 12.25-inch gloves. The laces in the Contour fit model infield gloves can give you the best experience.

Pros

• The material is steer hides, which makes the gloves powerful and durable
• Has a larger pocket for comfortability
• Contour type model has leather laces for comfortability
• Particular models are already chosen by big league players and you can find the models under their names
• Made for all players – from rookie high school players to professional MLB players

Cons

• Price is premium which is not perfect for entry-level or recreational players.

Comment on Price

This is one of the best gloves you will come across. You can have it for under $350. If you have the budget then go for it without delay. It is one of the top-quality gloves at a reasonable price.

2. Wilson A2K Baseball Gloves for Pitchers- 11.75″ and 12″

This glove is made out of gunmetal Pro Stock Select leather and has dual welting in its design. Trippled-stored and fine inspection process of this high quality leather ensures softness, comfortability, strength, and longer durability.

Designers of this high-quality glove have entered an extra layer of thin leather between liner and palm shell.

The glove is the one I recommend to every pitcher I have played during the last season. You cannot find such high-quality material and good design combo often. 

The pocket is quite big and easy to catch the high-speed flying balls, whatever their speed is. 

The finger binding is flat which you can adjust with the straps from time to time. Even the material which they call super skin has much much lighter weight than other gloves in the list. Moreover, the padding is lightweight too.

Altogether, this is the best baseball glove for a pitcher to play in any game, whether college or MLB.

Pros

• The ultimate design a pitcher can wish for in gloves
• Has flat binding fingers’ design
• Break in is tough but gives top quality gloves’ durability
• Can be very comfortable to play with since the break in
• The pad is thin to make it lightweight

Cons

• Can be a little tough when it comes to break in

Comment on price

A good glove is very important for a pitcher. It is part of his/her performance in the field. Catcher’s and pitcher’s gloves should be as best as possible, and certainly should be better than any other fielder. 

Considering that, this glove’s price can sound reasonable. You can have it from $300-$350.

3. Franklin Sports Field Master 12 inches

Franklin is another name among the companies that produce the best baseball gloves. It has some top quality gloves that cost less than other gloves on my list but can become your ultimate partner on the baseball field.

Among all the full grain or hybrid gloves from Franklin, I would like to state that, their synthetic gloves should be tried by any baseball player even once. Franklin Sports Master 12 inches is the ultimate synthetic glove to play with.

You can go for it if you have a low budget. It will certainly not disappoint you.

Because of synthetic leather, you can see the designs and colors are quite good. For the same reason, the break in part also becomes less hassle. This makes Franklin Field Master an ideal type of glove for baseball, softball, fastpitch, or slowpitch.

And yes, you may ask for the durability of the product. As the quality copies the real leather, it is quite durable.

I have been using one for training for two years. The last season, it survived even balls coming to it over a hundred speed. It is quite durable I can guarantee you.

Again, this is a top quality glove within your budget range you can go for without delay, that’s for sure.

Pros

• Synthetic leather material with top quality design and power
• Has a larger pocket for infield as well outfield games
• Can be used in both slowpitch and fastpitch games
• Contour fit system design for the highest comfortability
• Easier break-in than a full grain leather glove but durability can match a leather glove
• Rookies are recommended to use the glove
• It is a utility glove, means you can use it on both infield and outfield

Cons

• The material is artificial leather which is not preferred by many. Most of the players like full-grain leather

Comment on Price

$25-$50 makes it one of the best choices for a starter glove when it comes to rookies. You can certainly save the cost literarily A LOT.

 4. Mizuno MVP Prime Fastpitch Gloves 

Mizuno is another big name when it comes to baseball accessories. The company was founded in Japan and then it spread its wings in the states. In the USA, Mizuno sells record-breaking baseball and softball accessories and equipment for all types of athletes – at least according to my knowledge.

Their bats are quite popular among young high school players and college players. You can read about some of Mizuno’s bats in my other blogs.

Mizuno MVP Prime is the best for fastpitch games for any outfielder as well as any pitcher.  This is another rare combination to come across.

Mizuno designed it with a web base as well as soft skin. That makes the gloves easier to break in than normal steer hide and cowhide gloves. Although it is of leather, the price is rather reasonable and you can expect great things from the glove once you break it in perfectly.

Pros

• Soft leather material, easier to break in quickly
• Web-based design gives a good pocket and pop
• Laces are made out of high-quality leather that gives the gloves a good outlook and professional level
• The colors are really flashy in the field
• Good as a transitional glove
• Size is enough big – 13 inch

Cons

• Sometimes the laces can give you problems if not seasoned correctly. Be careful while adjusting

Comment on Price

Price is $100 – $120 which is quite reasonable for a good quality glove that can be used for outfield or pitching.

5. Wilson A2K First Base Gloves 

Wilson A2K is one of the best gloves for first base players. The infield glove is perfect for some actions. It has different versions when it comes to color but I like the black and white Jose Abreu 12.5-inch one. Maybe its because I am an old guy. No pun intended.

The glove is very very alluring, in design, color, and efficiency. Yes, the glove is very efficient. 

Pro stock select leather is used in the construction of this glove. But there is also Super snake skin. It is an artificial leather that is durable but light. The skin gives the fingers comfort. 

The web construction, ball-catching specialty, and double palm construction make the glove one of the best for players in the first base. 

Wilson is a very good brand for all types of baseball accessories, as you know. It kept the signature in this first base glove very well.

If you are a rookie first base player, do not wait for more; try to get one today.

Pros

• Leather material with artificial leather parts make it washable and reusable again and again
• It is very lightweight with double palm construction
• It is very easy to break in
• Particularly made for first base players
• Easily washable 
• Comfortable grip with pocket stability

Cons

• Not for using at all positions
• Not a transitional glove certainly

Comment on Price

You have to spend $350-$450 to get a hold on this glove. But it is certainly worth it. I recommend it only for serious players. 

Read side by side comparison: Wilson a2K vs A2000 | Which One Is the Ideal Choice

6. Rawlings Player Preferred Catcher’s Mitt 33 inches

Catcher’s mitts are big in size. They are the closest to the ball and require the most guard as well as efficiency on their gloves to play comfortably and energetically. 

As a result, there is no better choice than a Rawlings Player Preferred Catcher’s Mitt.

The 33 inches glove is one of a kind. 

It is made out of full-grain leather with a particular beauty of leather construction. The finishing is out of the box.

Not only at the looks, but when it comes to design, it has zero shock palm padding and a solid web structure, giving you a good chance to catch even the balls with the best speed without any problem or sting.

The wrist strap is adjustable and you do not need to put much effort into the break-in. It is already 80% ready from the factory.

Pros

• Full grain leather construction – the traditional way
• Web construction is hard and can catch high-paced balls easily
• Good for hand guards but comfortable at the same time
• The wrist is adjustable
• 20% break-in is only necessary

Cons

• For adult players, not for young players

Comment on Price

The price of Rawlings catcher’s mitten is quite reasonable. You can have it for $70-$100.

7. Wilson A2000 Evergreen Slowpitch Gloves 13 inches

Now, I will tell you about another glove from Wilson. It is the A2000 Evergreen. It is particularly made for softball matches and you can be very comfortable with this mitt. The color is intended for women’s softball. 

It is a utility glove, which means you can use it anywhere on the field. This is a very good glove for any slowpitch tournament, whether it is infield or outfield, even for pitchers and first-base players.

The double-web design is good for catching flying balls at high speed. But you can only use the glove for adult games as the size is fit only for adults.

Pros

• Designed particularly for female players
• Good for any position in slowpitch games
• Double web designs for stronger grip
• Padded pocket with good laces
• Made out of soft leather and synthetic material that gives high durability
• Spin control technology incorporated in the glove
• It has a warranty of 1 year

Cons

• Not for kids or young players; only good for adult players

Comment on Price

You need to spend $300-$400 for this piece of work. But as a particular product for slowpitch softball, it is very good to work with.

8. Mizuno Prospect Pigskin 10.5 inches

Mizuno, the Japanese pioneer in the field of baseball, has some particularly special products for young players. From kids to teens, the products can prove to be very useful and even some transitional players playing between high school to college or college to major leagues can take benefit from these products.

Mizuno Prospect 10.5 inches is such a product.

Pigskin leathers are in one word – comfortable.

The skins are very soft, and you need a shorter break-in period before going to the games.

Any transitional player can rip the benefits of these products. 

Mizuno Prospect has a very particular flex web design. The web-based design gives a big pocket and comfortable grip. The usage of synthetic materials for better durability also gives more advantages. My kid uses this glove, and he is performing very well with it. 

Altogether, this is the best option for your kid if he or she is a very serious player and wishes to go further in her career in the diamond field.

Pros

• Good for transitional players who are playing between high school to college leagues
• Full grain pigskin leather gives you the ultimate comfort
• Color is very attractive with a good design
• Design is comfortable for catching high-speed balls
• Can be used at almost all positions in the field

Cons

• The length is not actually good for any MLB games
• Pigskin lacks when it comes to durability, and it is not as durable as deer hide or cowhide gloves

Comment on Price

The price can be less than $60. It is the best gift for your teenage kid on any occasion.

9. Easton Pancake Training Gloves

This particular training glove is the most comfortable and durable training glove I have come across. Whenever a practice session is held, I insist the catchers use this particular glove. It has many advantages.

Firstly, the material is steered hide leather, which gives the glove more durability than other pancake gloves.

Next, the glove teaches how to create better coordination between hands, stopping and throwing the ball back.

This glove can be used for training by both teen males and females. So, this is actually the perfect choice for training young adults.

The glove has one year warranty but actually very comfortable for more time.

You can use this glove for a long long time without spending on another training glove.

It is one of the best quality gloves for training made out of steer hide.

Pros

• Made out of steer hide which makes it one of the highest durable pancake gloves
• Increases coordination between ball and hands
• Good to train about stopping high-speed balls
• Easton gives one year warranty with this glove

Cons

• Not for games, but rather for training actually
• It is for teens, not for adult players but they can get benefits if they use it

Comment on Price

You can get it from $100-$120. This is the best choice among all pancake training gloves.

10. Franklin Sports Youth Teeball Gloves – 9.5 inches

Franklin is very popular for its baseball accessories at comparatively reasonable prices in the market. Their products are quality and meant for anyone and everyone who loves this game. This is one of their kid’s products.

Franklin youth tee-ball gloves 9.5 inches are for all kids, from toddlers to all elementary-level kids. 

The glove comes in different colors. But all the colors are good for both boys and girls.

It is made out of synthetic material. But the design and strength give a kid feel of the traditional leather gloves. It is for their training in the long run.

It is very lightweight, comfy, and the best choice for practice or any tee-ball games for your kid.

I recommend it to you as a birthday gift for your toddlers.

Pros

• Synthetic material for long-lasting
• Gives the correct feel for future players
• Great for practice or tee ball match
• Boys and girls in any position in the field can use

Cons

• The glove is not a full-grain leather glove. Besides this, it is a perfect glove for kids

Comment on Price

It is just the ultimate gift for kids. You need to spend only $20-$30.

Now, you know about the top baseball gloves that exist in the market. I have tried to tell you about all types of gloves according to material, position in the field, and prices.

Most of the gloves need a partial break-in. Some of the gloves need 100% break-in. Whether the material is full-grain leather or synthetic leather, you need it. You really need to know how to break in your gloves.

Now I will tell you about how to break in a baseball glove.

How to Break in a Baseball glove

Breaking in a baseball glove is easy. But it requires some work. For this reason, you will need some tools:

1. Warm water but not as hot as boiled, oil or vaseline or any other particular lubricant like Wilson Pro Glove Conditioner
2. A rug
3. A wooden mallet
4. A baseball

First, use warm water, oil, vaseline, or conditioner to get to every part of the outer surface of the glove. It will be tight. Use the rug to get to every part. DO NOT let the lubricant go inside the glove.

Second, use your thumb and pinky to squeeze the glove and put it together.

Third, Use the wooden mallet to create the pocket or the palm inside. At this point, it should be quite easier.

Next, put the ball inside the glove, squeeze it and use the rug to bind it for a few moment.

Now, try to wear the glove after loosening the uppers straps a little bit.

Repeat the process if you still think it is not fitting yet. But do not overdo it.

Now, you get a perfectly conditioned baseball glove. Use the rug to clean it from excessive lubes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What gloves do most MLB players use?

Rawlings gloves are mostly used by MLB players. They also use the brand Wilson which has some quality products that are very easy to break in and use at the games. These are mainly the two brands often used by MLB players.

What brand of baseball gloves do the pros use?

More than 50% of the Pro baseball players use gloves from Rawlings. Besides, many of them use gloves from Wilson. Both of the brands have a good name when it comes to baseball accessories.

Is the A2000 or A2K better?

Both of the gloves have a similar quality, but the A2K gloves feel more comfortable when it comes to palm and design. Still, you cannot deny the durability of the A2000 which is very alluring and many pro players are using it.

Conclusion

Certainly, you cannot deny the usage of different gloves at different positions. But if you are new to baseball gloves, my suggestion would be to start with a training glove or a utility glove in particular, that can be used at any position. When you know which position you are good for, then go directly for the best glove for that position mentioned in the list.

Meta: To find the best baseball glove for yourself you have to know about the quality of the material, usage of baseball in the field, and usefulness of the design. Only then you can find the right one.

More Resources on Baseball Gloves

The Best Pitching Gloves for Control and Comfort: Coach’s Choice

Top 3 Best Shortstop Gloves for 2023

Find the Best Baseball Gloves By Position

Best Baseball Gloves Under $100 In 2023