Just like any other product, not all baseball gloves are made the same. Which is why we are happy to give you our list of the best baseball gloves for 2019.
In order to provide you with this list, we have pain stinkingly crawled the internet looking at all the various sites that not only sell baseball gloves, but allow verified buyers of the gloves to leaves reviews.
As well, we took the ‘short list’ of our best baseball gloves for 2020 and compared that list to the types of gloves most commonly used by both collegiate and professional-level baseball players. We figure if it is good enough for them, it is good enough for us.
Afterwards, in order to create our final list of the best baseball gloves for 2020, we created an aggregate of these reviews in order to reach our top three.
So, without further ado …
2020’s Best Baseball Gloves: The Top 10
1. Rawlings PROSNP5-2CBG: Pro-Referred 11.75” Baseball Glove
Player Break-In: 70%
Padding: 100% wool blend
Shell: Kip leather
Pros: One of the most widely-used gloves in all of baseball.
Cons: With a 70% player break-in, there are reports of a two-week 90% break-in and upwards of 4 to 5 weeks for 100% break in.
- Full-grain kip leather is lightweight and flexible
The Rawlings Pro Preferred line of gloves is by far one of the most widely-used and respects gloves in all of baseball. This specific line of gloves is used from high school all the way through all levels of the majors.
Which is why it is surprising that it is so affordable.
This specific 11.5” model is made out of kip leather and has 100% wool blend for its padding. While mainly intended for infield use, it does provide the ability to be a “all position” glove in less competitive ranks, therefore giving you more bang for your buck after your purchase.
The laces are constructed using Rawlings’ patented grade leather laces, and also includes a padded thumb sleeve for additional protection.
2. Wilson A2K 1799 Super Skin (2018 Model)
Player Break-In: 50%
Padding: 100% wool blend
Shell: Kip leather
Pros: Aside from the above Rawlings glove, the Wilson A2K series is the other widely used glove in baseball.
Cons: Glove technicians at Wilson spend three times longer shaping the A2K series than any other glove, so it may be more broken in than you would like.
- 12.75 Inches outfield model, dual post web
There is a reason that a 2018-model baseball glove made our list of the best baseball gloves for 2020.
That is because the Wilson A2K 1799 Super Skin (specifically, again, the 2018 model) was perhaps the best run of baseball gloves ever produced.
Available in both left and right-hand throw, magnitudes of MLB players enjoy the incredible length and deep pocket that the Wilson A2K series provides. As well, the reinforced dual post web keeps the pocket in great condition, even after extensive use and breaking it in.
Which is way the 2018 version of this glove is still widely used within the ranks of MLB.
3. Marucci Founders’ Series 12.75” (2018 model)
Player Break-In: 70%
Padding: 100% wool blend
Shell: Kip leather
Pros: An incredibly well-made baseball glove handcrafted for precise attention to detail and individual fit.
Cons: Not an incredibly well-known company within the baseball world, compared to others. Glove is best equipped for outfielders.
- Premium Japanese kip leather construction offers superior quality and durability
This company is certainly more well-known for their bats, but people are starting to come around to their gloves as well.
Made in Japan with amazing attention to detail, these gloves are produced using Japanese kip leather that offers, some will argue, the ultimate quality and durability.
Indeed: in testing, the Marucci Founders’ Series baseball gloves withstood much more use and abuse than any other glove on the market.
This glove also provides a faster break-in period because of a thin heel, meaning you can get in onto the field much sooner than other gloves on the market.
All that being said: if you are OK being on the field with what some would consider a “non-name brand” type glove, than this is your choice.
The Marucci Founder Series offers nearly all the perks, comfort, and ability that others brands name do at half the cost.
Best Baseball Gloves of 2020: Conclusion
It is difficult to give a hard-and-true answer to what baseball glove is going to be the best for you.
Are you an amateur playing on the weekends with your buddies in a keg league? Or are you a more competitive player?
Moreover, what do you desire more out of your baseball glove? Ultimately capability, or the need to break it in as little as possible when you purchase it off the shelve?
The above gloves provide you all those options. The Wilson A2000, for example, is a baseball glove best used by those playing in super competitive leagues that are looking for every little advantage.
On the other hand, the Franklin Sports Master Series is more suitable for a person playing in a keg league that is less likely to be taking the whole thing too seriously.
The best baseball glove for you really depends on what you are looking to get out of it.
And, because of that, the above list – while not exhaustive – is certainly inclusive enough to provide you all the possible options to fit your needs.
Youth baseball gloves typically range in size from 9 inches to 12 inches. Here at TTFB, we recommend that Little Leaguers under the age of 8 use a glove ranging from 9 to 11 inches. Those over the age of 8 should try no less than an 11-inch glove.
An outfielder’s glove is usually 12+ inches and is more than than wide. Conversely, middle infield gloves are 11 to 11.5 inches and are more wide than long. Pitching gloves are typically different in that they have a closed web so a batter is unable to see how you are gripping the ball.
To soften a baseball glove, pour a small amount of hot water (150 to 170 degrees) over any area of a new glove you want to make softer. You can also apply a small amount of oil.
Absolutely, especially at lower levels of competition.
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