Top glove picks by position
The fast shortlist. Full position-by-position reviews and all eight picks follow.
Wilson A2000 1786 11.5-inch Infield Glove
Best for: Middle infielders and serious players who want the safest premium glove recommendation.
Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205 11.75-inch Infield Glove
Best for: Third basemen, bigger-handed infielders, and players who want more pocket than a pure 11.5-inch middle-infield glove.
Wilson A2000 1799SS 12.75-inch Outfield Glove
Best for: Outfielders who want a proven 12.75-inch A2000 pattern with extra reach and a stable pocket.
How we scored these picks
Prices are approximate U.S. street prices checked in May 2026 and move often by hand, colorway, and closeout status.
Compare all 8 gloves
Scan position fit, price, and score here; the complete scouting notes are directly below.
| Rank | Pick | Best for | Key strengths | Sizing notes | Price | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Wilson A2000 1786 11.5-inch Infield Glove
Best overall and best infield
|
Middle infielders and serious players who want the safest premium glove recommendation. | The 1786 remains the cleanest answer for most premium infield buyers: 11.5 inches, quick transfers, a shallow pocket, and a long track record in A2000 leather. | - | $300-$330 | 8.9 | |
| 2 |
Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205 11.75-inch Infield Glove
Best third-base and larger infield glove
|
Third basemen, bigger-handed infielders, and players who want more pocket than a pure 11.5-inch middle-infield glove. | The PRO205 gives you the Heart of the Hide leather case with an 11.75-inch 200 pattern that plays bigger and steadier for third base. | - | $300 | 8.7 | |
| 3 |
Wilson A2000 1799SS 12.75-inch Outfield Glove
Best outfield glove
|
Outfielders who want a proven 12.75-inch A2000 pattern with extra reach and a stable pocket. | The 1799 gives outfielders longer reach, a deep pocket, and a stable dual-post-style shape in a proven 12.75-inch pattern. | - | $250-$300 | 8.6 | |
| 4 |
Rawlings Heart of the Hide CM33 33-inch Catcher's Mitt
Best catcher's mitt
|
Catchers who need a real receiving mitt instead of trying to make a fielding glove work behind the plate. | Catchers need a receiving pocket and structure that a fielding glove cannot provide. The CM33 is the strongest premium Rawlings option for that job. | - | $300-$330 | 8.4 | |
| 5 |
Rawlings Heart of the Hide DCT 13-inch First Base Mitt
Best first-base mitt
|
First basemen who want a premium 13-inch scoop pocket and enough structure for hard throws. | The DCT pattern gives first basemen what a standard glove cannot: a deeper scoop pocket, bigger catching surface, and a mitt shape built for low throws. | - | $300 | 8.4 | |
| 6 |
Wilson A2000 CK22 Clayton Kershaw 11.75-inch Pitcher's Glove
Best pitcher's glove
|
Pitchers who want an 11.75-inch premium glove with a closed web that hides grips without feeling oversized. | The CK22 gives pitchers the classic A2000 leather build, an 11.75-inch pocket, and a closed two-piece web/finger-hood shape built around Clayton Kershaw's game model. | - | $200-$300 | 8.3 | |
| 7 |
Rawlings R9 11.5-inch Infield Glove
Best value glove
|
High-school, 14U, and budget-conscious players who need an all-leather glove without a pro-glove break-in. | The R9 is the value pick because it gives infielders a real all-leather shell and much easier break-in at roughly half the premium-glove price. | - | $150 | 8.2 | |
| 8 |
Rawlings Select Pro Lite Bo Bichette 11.5-inch Youth Glove
Best youth glove
|
Youth infielders who need a lighter glove, youth fit, and fast break-in. | For youth players, closeability matters more than owning the stiffest leather in the dugout. The Select Pro Lite gives younger infielders a position-friendly 11.5-inch shape they can actually use. | - | $75 | 8.1 |
Full glove reviews by position
Why each model fits its position, where it falls short, and what comparable pro patterns tell us.
1. Wilson A2000 1786 11.5-inch Infield Glove
Price: $300-$330
Best for: Middle infielders and serious players who want the safest premium glove recommendation.
Watch out if: Younger players who need an easy-close glove right away or outfielders who need more reach.
The 1786 remains the cleanest answer for most premium infield buyers: 11.5 inches, quick transfers, a shallow pocket, and a long track record in A2000 leather.
What the pros wear
Middle infield pros split between fast 11.5-inch gloves and slightly deeper 11.75-inch shapes. That is why the 1786 stays small and quick instead of chasing a huge pocket.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- Jose Altuve: Wilson A2000 1786, 11.5-inch
- Francisco Lindor: Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS205/PROFL12, 11.75-inch
- Dansby Swanson: Wilson A2K/A2000 1787, 11.75-inch
Pros
- Classic 11.5-inch infield size with quick-transfer geometry.
- Pro Stock leather holds shape well after a proper break-in.
- Easy to find across current and closeout colorways.
Cons
- Still needs real break-in time.
- Too small for full-time outfield use.
- Premium pricing is hard to justify for casual youth players.
Why it landed here
- Wilson describes the 1786 as its most popular infield pattern, with a shallow pocket and H-Web for fast transfers.
- Current 2026 retail listings continue to feature the 1786 as a core A2000 Classics infield model.
- The 11.5-inch pattern gives premium infield buyers a recognizable, position-specific glove built for quick transfers.
2. Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO205 11.75-inch Infield Glove
Price: $300
Best for: Third basemen, bigger-handed infielders, and players who want more pocket than a pure 11.5-inch middle-infield glove.
Watch out if: Middle infielders who want the absolute fastest exchange or youth players who need a soft starter glove.
The PRO205 gives you the Heart of the Hide leather case with an 11.75-inch 200 pattern that plays bigger and steadier for third base.
What the pros wear
Pros at third usually give themselves more glove than a middle infielder. The PRO205 is the controlled, high-school-friendly side of that bigger hot-corner trend.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- Nolan Arenado: Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO12-6TI, 12-inch H-web
- Jose Ramirez: Custom Easton H-web, 12-inch
- Manny Machado: Rawlings NP5/Gameday 57 pattern, 12.25-inch
Pros
- 11.75-inch shape fits third base and utility infield work well.
- Heart of the Hide steerhide has a strong durability record.
- Useful choice for players who find 11.5 inches too small.
Cons
- Not as quick as a dedicated middle-infield glove.
- Requires patience to shape correctly.
- Specific colorways can rotate in and out of stock.
Why it landed here
- Rawlings lists the PRO205 as an 11.75-inch Heart of the Hide infield glove in a 200 pattern.
- The 11.75-inch size is the natural bridge between middle infield and third base.
- Its deeper 11.75-inch pocket gives third basemen and larger-handed infielders a more suitable fit than a standard 11.5-inch glove.
3. Wilson A2000 1799SS 12.75-inch Outfield Glove
Price: $250-$300
Best for: Outfielders who want a proven 12.75-inch A2000 pattern with extra reach and a stable pocket.
Watch out if: Infielders or smaller youth players who will fight the extra length.
The 1799 gives outfielders longer reach, a deep pocket, and a stable dual-post-style shape in a proven 12.75-inch pattern.
What the pros wear
Outfielders tend to live in the 12.5- to 12.75-inch range, then choose whether they want more control or more reach. The 1799SS leans toward the proven reach side.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- Mookie Betts: Wilson A2K MB50, 12.5-inch
- Juan Soto: Wilson 1799 game model, 12.75-inch
- Mike Trout: Rawlings Pro Preferred PROSMT27, 12.75-inch Trap-Eze
Pros
- 12.75-inch reach is right for serious outfield work.
- A2000 construction holds pocket shape well when broken in.
- Common enough to find in closeout and special colorways.
Cons
- Too long for normal infield play.
- SuperSkin and colorway preferences can be polarizing.
- Premium price for players who only occasionally play outfield.
Why it landed here
- Wilson describes the A2000/A2K 1799 outfield pattern as a 12.75-inch model built for stability and adult outfielders.
- Retail listings consistently position the 1799 as an outfield glove, not a generic all-position model.
- Its 12.75-inch length and stable pocket make it the strongest dedicated outfield option in this group.
4. Rawlings Heart of the Hide CM33 33-inch Catcher's Mitt
Price: $300-$330
Best for: Catchers who need a real receiving mitt instead of trying to make a fielding glove work behind the plate.
Watch out if: Players who only catch occasionally and need a cheaper, faster break-in option.
Catchers need a receiving pocket and structure that a fielding glove cannot provide. The CM33 is the strongest premium Rawlings option for that job.
What the pros wear
Big-league catchers are not all in the same mitt, but the pattern is clear: real catcher mitts, usually 33 to 34 inches, with enough structure to receive velocity.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- William Contreras: Rawlings Heart of the Hide CM33, 33-inch
- J.T. Realmuto: Rawlings Pro Preferred CM43, 34-inch
- Adley Rutschman: Rawlings Heart of the Hide AR35, 34-inch
Pros
- 33-inch catcher shape is built for receiving and blocking.
- Heart of the Hide leather gives it a premium structure ceiling.
- CM33 pattern is a recognizable serious-catcher option.
Cons
- Requires the most position-specific break-in work on this list.
- Overkill for players who catch only a few innings.
- Hand and color availability can vary.
Why it landed here
- Rawlings lists this as a 33-inch Heart of the Hide catcher's mitt with a CM33 pattern.
- Its 33-inch mitt shape gives catchers the receiving and blocking pocket their position requires.
- The dedicated mitt design is more suitable behind the plate than any standard fielding glove.
5. Rawlings Heart of the Hide DCT 13-inch First Base Mitt
Price: $300
Best for: First basemen who want a premium 13-inch scoop pocket and enough structure for hard throws.
Watch out if: Players who split time across other positions or need a standard fielding glove.
The DCT pattern gives first basemen what a standard glove cannot: a deeper scoop pocket, bigger catching surface, and a mitt shape built for low throws.
What the pros wear
First base is where a mitt shape matters more than a standard glove brand debate. Pro examples usually point to deeper 12.25- to 13-inch mitts built to scoop and secure throws.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- Paul Goldschmidt: Rawlings custom PROSDCT, 13-inch
- Matt Olson: Rawlings PROSDCT, 13-inch
- Freddie Freeman: Rawlings PROFM20, 12.25-inch H-web
Pros
- 13-inch mitt shape is right for first-base work.
- Deep pocket helps on stretches and short-hop scoops.
- Premium Heart of the Hide build should hold shape better than budget mitts.
Cons
- Too position-specific for utility players.
- Needs mitt-specific break-in time.
- Availability can be more limited than standard infield gloves.
Why it landed here
- Rawlings calls out the 13-inch DCT pattern as popular for a huge, deep first-base pocket.
- First basemen benefit from its larger catching surface and deep scoop pocket on low throws.
- The position-specific DCT shape offers more reach and security than a standard fielding glove.
6. Wilson A2000 CK22 Clayton Kershaw 11.75-inch Pitcher's Glove
Price: $200-$300
Best for: Pitchers who want an 11.75-inch premium glove with a closed web that hides grips without feeling oversized.
Watch out if: Outfielders, young players who need an easy-close starter, or infielders who prefer an open web for transfers.
The CK22 gives pitchers the classic A2000 leather build, an 11.75-inch pocket, and a closed two-piece web/finger-hood shape built around Clayton Kershaw's game model.
What the pros wear
Pitchers care less about transfer speed and more about grip concealment, feel, and fielding the position. The CK22 is the cleanest retail version of that idea.
See the 2026 MLB glove brand report
- Clayton Kershaw: Wilson A2000 CK22, 11.75-inch
- Max Scherzer: Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS206, 12-inch
- Jacob deGrom: Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS205/PROS206 two-piece, 11.75- to 12-inch
Pros
- Closed two-piece web helps keep pitch grips hidden.
- 11.75-inch size is manageable for fielding comebackers.
- A2000 Pro Stock leather gives it a real multi-season ceiling.
Cons
- More position-specific than a normal infield glove.
- Break-in takes patience.
- Current stock can be scattered because CK22 colorways rotate and close out.
Why it landed here
- Dick's lists the CK22 as an 11.75-inch Clayton Kershaw A2000 Series glove.
- Wilson's Staff model copy references the 11.75-inch length and CK22 as Kershaw's A2000 shape.
- The closed two-piece web and finger hood solve the main pitcher need: grip concealment.
7. Rawlings R9 11.5-inch Infield Glove
Price: $150
Best for: High-school, 14U, and budget-conscious players who need an all-leather glove without a pro-glove break-in.
Watch out if: Players who already know they want a premium A2000, A2K, Heart of the Hide, or Pro Preferred.
The R9 is the value pick because it gives infielders a real all-leather shell and much easier break-in at roughly half the premium-glove price.
Pros
- Much easier break-in path than premium pro-style gloves.
- All-leather shell at a more approachable price.
- Good fit for players who need performance now, not after weeks of shaping.
Cons
- Lower long-term ceiling than A2000 or Heart of the Hide.
- Less premium palm feel and structure.
- Mostly an infield/value answer, not a best-for-every-position pick.
Why it landed here
- Rawlings lists the current R9 11.5-inch infield glove at $149.99 with a soft, durable all-leather shell.
- Its listed player break-in is lighter than premium Heart of the Hide models.
- This is the most useful answer for buyers who want a real glove but not a $300-plus mistake.
8. Rawlings Select Pro Lite Bo Bichette 11.5-inch Youth Glove
Price: $75
Best for: Youth infielders who need a lighter glove, youth fit, and fast break-in.
Watch out if: Older high-school players or anyone needing adult premium leather and long-term structure.
For youth players, closeability matters more than owning the stiffest leather in the dugout. The Select Pro Lite gives younger infielders a position-friendly 11.5-inch shape they can actually use.
Pros
- Youth Pro Taper fit is more realistic for younger hands.
- Quick break-in keeps the glove from becoming a garage ornament.
- Strong price point for a first real position glove.
Cons
- Not built to replace premium adult leather.
- Player-model styling may matter more to kids than long-term utility.
- Best for youth infield use, not full-time adult outfield play.
Why it landed here
- Rawlings lists the Select Pro Lite Bo Bichette as an 11.5-inch youth baseball glove with soft lightweight leather.
- Rawlings' sizing guidance supports smaller infield gloves for 7-to-12-year-old players.
- Its lighter build and smaller hand opening give parents a practical alternative to stiff adult gloves.
Bottom line
The Wilson A2000 1786 is still the safest overall recommendation because it has the cleanest combination of pattern history, leather quality, availability, and middle-infield fit. But the real win is choosing by position: PRO205 for a larger infield pocket, 1799 for outfield reach, CM33 for catchers, DCT for first base, CK22 for pitchers, R9 for value, and Select Pro Lite for younger players.