Top 6 Best Baseball Gloves for 2022

Break in a Baseball GloveAre you looking for the best baseball gloves for 2021?

If so, you came to the right place! We researched the top-rated baseball gloves on the market, bought them, and reviewed each option for your convenience.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

And many more!

Finding the right baseball glove can be challenging. But you should have a better idea of which model to buy by the end of this article.

You can start your search by checking out the quick list of our top products below. Keep reading to know more details about each baseball glove to find out the right model that matches your needs and preferences. 

IMAGE
PRODUCT
OUR TOP PICK



#1 – Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove

BEST BUDGET



#2 - Franklin Sports CTZ5000 Baseball Glove

BEST HIGH END



#3 – Rawlings Heart of the Hide Baseball Glove




#4 - Rawlings Encore Baseball Glove




#5 - Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove




#6 - Rawlings R9 Baseball Glove

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated on November 19, 2021

Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove

Among the many baseball gloves we bought and reviewed in 2021, we found the Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove to be our overall #1 pick.

This particular baseball glove is a great choice for pitchers and outfielders. Plus, it has a premium look and feel, allowing relatively any baseball player to stand out from the rest of the athletes on the field. Moreover, it’s one of the most comfortable gloves we tested from the market, thanks to its bio soft leather.

If you plan on buying this baseball glove, especially if you’re a pitcher or outfielder, you can’t go wrong with this choice. 

How to Break in a Baseball Glove?

Whether you play with a high school or college team, or you’re playing for the major leagues, it is important to break in your glove before play. Breaking in a baseball glove ensures that it’s comfortable for your hands, optimizing your skills as you play.

Some of the ways to break in a baseball glove include the following:

  • Moisten the leather. Pour a small amount of hot water over the stiff areas of your new glove to make it soft. Do not use harsh chemicals or put your glove in the microwave as these actions can damage the material.
  • Use the glove. The longer you use your glove, the more it should soften over time. You can also use a mallet or a dumbbell to pound the glove to increase the rate of softening.
  • Insert a baseball. Put a ball in the glove’s pocket and roll it over the bands. Secure the glove using the bands while the baseball is still inside. Then, position the ball in the pocket and then twist the bands around the ball to form an X shape.
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How to Size a Baseball Glove?

If a baseball glove is too tight, it becomes uncomfortable. Otherwise, if it’s loose, you might be concentrating more on keeping the glove in your hand rather than focusing on the game.

To find the right baseball glove size, you need to understand it first. It’s a good idea to know the different parts of the glove. Otherwise, you might be mistaking the pocket for your palm or you’ll make errors because you don’t know a specific glove element.

Once you know the different parts of a glove, follow this quick reference guide for your sizing options:

Age Catcher First Base Second Base/Short Stop Third Base Pitcher Outfield
Under 7 Years Old
29.5 to 30 inches
11.5 inches
8 to 10.5 inches
8 to 10.5 inches
8 to 10.5 inches
9 to 10.5 inches
8 to 10 Years Old
30 to 31 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
11 to 11.5 inches
11 to 11.75 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
11.75 to 12.75 inches
11 to 13 Years Old
30 to 32.5 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
11 to 11.5 inches
11 to 11.75 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
11.75 to 12.75 inches
Over 14 Years Old
32 to 34.5 inches
12 to 13 inches
11.25 to 11.5 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
11.5 to 12 inches
12 to 13 inches

How to Clean a Baseball Glove?

It is important to take the time to care for your baseball glove. It is your responsibility to make sure your glove is in good condition at all times. Otherwise, you will run into problems while you’re playing baseball.

Here are some quick tips to help you clean and care for your baseball glove:

  1. Read the manufacturer’s label. Make sure that you follow the cleaning instructions on the glove to the letter. Some gloves use special materials that require specific care techniques.
  2. Use rubbing alcohol and water. Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water to create a cleaning agent. Dip a soft cloth into the mixture and use it on the baseball glove until it’s thoroughly clean.
  3. Wash with soapy water. Follow this method only if you find traces of dirt or mold on the glove after using other cleaning techniques.

What Should You Look For When Buying a Baseball Glove?

Keep in mind that different baseball athletes have varying glove requirements. Some players need a fairly small glove while others might need a larger model. Purchasing a glove haphazardly can make you commit costly mistakes. Moreover, the problems can increase in number once you start using the wrong glove in the field.

In this section, you’ll know the factors you need to consider when shopping for baseball gloves.

  • Position

As a baseball player, you’ll most likely advance in skill as you continue to play the sport. At first, you might start with a primary position. Over time, you might find yourself in more challenging positions. Always remember that different baseball positions require varying glove features. Understand the needs of your position first to choose the right glove.

  • Fit

Remember that your baseball glove is not only a tool to catch balls but it’s also going to be an extension of your hand. If the glove doesn’t fit well, it’s going to feel uncomfortable, reducing your abilities while playing the sport.

  • Size

A wide range of gloves is available on the market, and finding the right size can be challenging. But it’s important to take the time in looking through these different sizes. That way, you can find an appropriately fitting baseball glove to use.

  • Features

Remember that not every baseball glove on the market is the same. Some come with determining features, such as a deep pocket depth or a web design. Certain models have adjustable wrist supports and other extra functionalities. Find and use the right baseball glove with suitable features to help improve your game.

  • Quality

Unlike bats, glove manufacturers make it reasonably easy to determine their products’ quality. Baseball gloves tend to provide better consistency than bats. However, inexpensive and low-quality gloves typically last for a shorter time due to their shorter break-in period. A higher-end glove, on the other hand, can last for multiple seasons.

  • Costs

If you’re not careful, you can spend more money than expected on a baseball glove. You might not have a financial burden or regret after purchasing an expensive glove if you have the extra cash. However, consider some low-cost options if you’re on a tight budget. Still, take note of the features of these fairly inexpensive choices. Always keep in mind that a low price doesn’t always equate to a good quality product.

Pick #1: Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove

Some of our teammates wanted baseball gloves that enhances their skills in pitching and catching balls from the outfield. We came across this baseball glove from Mizuno, and our reaction to its looks, performance, and overall quality is nothing short of astounding.

First, I’d like to mention its soft bio leather material, providing my colleague with firm control and a great feeling. Next, its design and feel give off a premium vibe. The glove’s appearance even makes it possible to draw attention to it as a spectator.

Moreover, we liked its lacing design. This feature makes the glove feel secure in the hand. Our team members mentioned that it gives them peace of mind, knowing that the glove won’t slip out of their hands. However, my colleagues mentioned that they weren’t too keen on the webbing gap, citing that it’s bigger than others. But that shortcoming is a minor nitpick at best.

Pick #2: Franklin Sports CTZ5000 Baseball Glove

Another leader in the baseball glove sector, we knew that this Franklin Sports is going to be a magnificent product the moment we laid our eyes on it. Once it reached our doorstep and opened the package, our expectations were met with a fervor.

One aspect of this glove that we found exceptional is the use of a cowhide leather construction. The manufacturer also coated the glove with the color black, making it exude luxury in both appearance and structure.

We also liked, if not loved that this glove has a minimum break-in period. It didn’t take a significant amount of time before it fit our hands without the glove feeling stiff.

Finally, the soft palm lining delivered optimal comfort to our testers. Some of our team members even mentioned that they can wear the glove for the entire day because of this feature.

However, we would like to mention that this glove is made for adult players. Therefore, the size and fit will not fit younger baseball athletes.

Pick #3: Rawlings Heart of the Hide Baseball Glove

Another leader in the baseball glove sector, we knew that this Franklin Sports is going to be a magnificent product the moment we laid our eyes on it. Once it reached our doorstep and opened the package, our expectations were met with a fervor.

Before I proceed, I’d like to mention that the price might put off some interested buyers. The costs are quite expensive, which might not be ideal for customers on a tight budget. With that said, its different premium features more than justify the bump in fees.

For instance, this glove has a design and structure made for outfield players. It has an H Web design, allowing our teammates (who decided to play as outfielders during our test games) to reach many fly balls heading their way.

Moreover, we liked that this glove is comfortable and durable at the same time. Its plush full-grain leather promotes optimal comfort and longevity, making this glove a must-buy for those that can spend the extra cash.

Pick #4: Rawlings Encore Baseball Glove

After testing the Rawlings Encore Glove, we found that it has features designed for young infielders who are on the fly. We made this conclusion after looking at this glove’s different offerings.

Starting with its design, it offers accurate ball fielding and transfers. We also liked that it maintains its shape after using it after many games. This gives the team peace of mind, considering that baseball gloves that become warped can increase the risk of hand injuries.

Additionally, the adjustable hand opening is a pleasing touch. This feature adds customizability to the glove, so we’re not completely stuck with the size and fit of the glove.

Despite its ability to retain its shape, the team didn’t like that this glove took more time than average to break in. It was stiff for several days until a teammate exclaimed that it became more comfortable to wear than before. 

Pick #5: Wilson A2000 Baseball Glove

We know that if a baseball glove comes from Wilson, it’s going to have excellent quality. But the A2000 shattered many of our expectations. Many baseball players, including some of our team members, like this brand because of the company’s continuous efforts to improve their wares.

As for the A2000 baseball glove, Wilson created what they call the ‘Pedroia fit.’ It’s a tighter-than-average fit because of a small finger stall and hand opening. Despite some of my colleagues not being able to test this glove because of the small size, those with appropriately sized hands mentioned that this glove has an excellently secure fit.

The heel has a low profile and removed excess padding sacrificed some comfort for a better rebound on bad hops. With these characteristics, this particular baseball glove is an excellent choice for middle infield players. Additionally, you can’t go wrong with its high-quality leather that offers excellent longevity.

Pick #6: Rawlings R9 Baseball Glove

The team couldn’t wait to try out the R9 baseball glove for good reason. We heard many great things about this particular model. Therefore, saying that we’re excited to test it out is an understatement. Thankfully, this glove met and even blew most of our expectations and gave us more.

For instance, The R9 is an attractive choice because of its top-notch durability with a low break-in period. It also has a cushioned palm pad with all-natural leather laces designed to keep the shape of the gloves even after using them frequently over extended periods.

But we noticed that the R9 best suits players with small hands. It features a smaller-than-average wrist opening and finger stall, which can be ideal for youth players. Still, some of our teammates with fairly small hands took advantage of this reasonably tight fit to improve their defensive games because of the glove’s ability to improve control.

Our Top Pick: Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove

After reviewing different baseball gloves in 2021, we still find the Mizuno MVP Prime Baseball Glove to be our top-rated pick.

It has features that benefit outfielders and pitchers greatly. Plus, its luxurious feel and looks can make many players stand out in the field. Finally, you can’t go wrong with this its bio soft leather for it’s both comfortable and functional.

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