Best Baseball Gloves for 2023: Top Baseball Glove Reviews
All baseball gloves are not created equally. Middle infielders need a different glove than outfielders. The first baseman and the catcher each have their own mitts to pick from, and outfielders would definitely struggle using a glove made for middle infielders. Finding the best baseball glove for your position is an important part of playing the game, and it’s something that all serious ball players need to do if they want to ensure they’re set up for success.
Best Baseball Gloves for 2023
When it comes to baseball gloves, each player tends to have a certain preference. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing your glove, but the following list should help you when the time comes to up your glove game in preparation for next season:
1. Rawlings R9 Series 11.5" Baseball Glove - 2021 Model
Overview:
The all new R9 Series baseball gloves are the best gloves on the market at this price point. This series features soft, durable all-leather shells designed to be game-ready. With pro style patterns and a reinforced palm pad for impact reduction, this series is perfect for the Select player.
Key Features:
- 11.5” Infield Model
- Pro I Web
- Conventional Back
2. Rawlings R9 Series 12.5" First Base Mitt - 2021 Model
Overview:
The all new R9 Series baseball gloves are the best gloves on the market at this price point. This series features soft, durable all-leather shells designed to be game-ready. With pro style patterns and a reinforced palm pad for impact reduction, this series is perfect for the Select player.
Key Features:
- 12.5” First Base Model
- Pro H Web
- Conventional back
3. Rawlings Pro Preferred PROSDCTCC 13" First Base Mitt
Overview:
Know for their clean, supple kip leather, Pro Preferred® series gloves break in to form the perfect pocket based on its owners' specific playing preference. The top pro game-day patterns and pro-grade materials unite to deliver the quality and performance that the very best in the game demand and rely on season after season.
Key Features:
- 13” first base model
- Single Post Double Bar Web
- 70% player break-in
4. Rawlings Sandlot 11.5" Baseball Glove - 2022 Model
Overview:
Rawlings Sandlot Series gloves offer a full-grain pre-oiled leather design, combined with Zero Shock palm pads for extra protection. Coupled with padded finger back linings for unmatched comfort and professional web patterns the Sandlot Series offers a unique Sherry colored vintage look and minimal break-in requirements.
Key Features:
- 11.5" infield model
- Pro I web
- 20% player break-in
5. Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO315-2CBC 11.75" Baseball Glove
Overview:
Constructed from Rawlings’ world-renowned Heart of the Hide steer hide leather, Heart of the Hide gloves feature the game-day patterns of the top Rawlings Advisory Staff players. These high quality gloves have defined the careers of those deemed “The Finest in the Field,” and are now available to elite athletes looking to join the next class of defensive greats.
Key Features:
- 11.75” infield model
- Pro I Web
- 60% player break-in
6. Mizuno Select 9 12.5" Baseball Glove - Black/Brown
Overview:
Pre-broken-in and game-ready, the new Mizuno Select 9 12" baseball glove is made with Bio Soft Leather, which is a professional-style, smooth leather that has the perfect balance of oil and softness for exceptional feel and firm control. Features Center Pocket Designed Patterns that naturally center the pocket under the index finger for the most versatile break-in possible. Mizuno Select 9 is made for ballplayers driven to advance their game.
Key Features:
- 12.5" Outfield Model
- Trap-eze Web
7. All-Star Pro Elite 33.5" Baseball Catcher's Mitt
Overview:
The All-Star Pro Elite 33.5" Baseball Catcher's Mitt is perfect for a player looking for a stiffer Catcher's mitt. Compared to the original black & tan CM3000 series, this glove features the stiffer black leather on both the inside and outside of the glove. Sport the CM3000 Series, which is the mitt of choice for many professional baseball catchers.
Key Features:
- Exclusive Japanese tanned steer hide allows for fast break-in and extended life
- Only the finest materials and hand craftsmanship are used to make these exceptional mitts
- Each mitt is a work of art, individually handmade
8. Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO204-20CB 11.5" Baseball Glove
Overview:
Constructed from Rawlings’ world-renowned Heart of the Hide steer hide leather, Heart of the Hide gloves feature the game-day patterns of the top Rawlings Advisory Staff players. These high quality gloves have defined the careers of those deemed “The Finest in the Field,” and are now available to elite athletes looking to join the next class of defensive greats.
Key Features:
- 11.5” infield model
- Single Post Web
- 60% player break-in
Are Gloves for Specific Positions Necessary?
Gloves for specific positions are necessary for most players. While an outfielder can use a glove made for a pitcher, and a pitcher technically can do the same, gloves made for first basemen and catchers can’t be used elsewhere. If you’re a player who bounces between the infield and outfield, you would need to find a glove that gives you the best of both worlds.
Components of a Baseball Glove
The components of a baseball glove are pretty complex. Gloves are not just a single piece of leather. A baseball glove is made up of different parts, including the web, fingers, heel, palm and more. Together these components make up the different reasons that make some gloves better than others.
Styles of Baseball Gloves
Baseball gloves come in all styles, shapes and sizes. If a glove is made for a certain position, then a lot of time and effort was put into its design to give players all the tools they need to succeed.
