10 Best Catchers' Gloves 2025 in the United States

The Rawlings Select PRO LITE Youth Catcher's Mitt is a great choice for young baseball players learning to catch. At 32 inches, it offers a good size that's standard for catchers, helping players manage the ball comfortably. The glove features a solid one-piece web, which provides a sturdy pocket to secure fast pitches and offers reliability behind the plate.

Made from leather, it ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight feel, making it easier for youth players to close and control the glove during games. The glove's youth pro taper fit means it has a smaller opening and lower finger stalls, designed especially to fit smaller hands better and improve comfort and control. This glove comes mostly broken in from the factory (about 90%), so it requires minimal time to soften and become game-ready, which is ideal for young players who want to start catching quickly without a long break-in period.

The glove is designed for right-hand throwers, so left-handed players would need a different model. This mitt is well suited for youth players aiming for a balance of durability, lightness, and a comfortable fit, making it easier to learn and enjoy catching.

The Rawlings PRO PREFERRED Baseball Catcher's Glove is built for serious catchers, from high school players to pros, who want a reliable and well-crafted glove. It measures 33 inches, a common size for catcher's mitts, and features a 1-piece solid web that helps with catching and securing the ball. The glove is made from full-grain kip leather, known for its durability and soft feel, providing a premium experience.

One of its highlights is the 100% wool padding, designed to help the glove form a good pocket and maintain its shape even after extensive use. The sheepskin palm lining keeps your hand dry and comfortable during long games. The break-in process is partially completed at the factory (30%) and finished by the player (70%), allowing customization of the glove's fit, which is important for catchers needing quick and precise movements. It’s designed for right-hand throwers, meaning it is worn on the left hand.

The glove's weight is on the heavier side, which might feel bulky to some users but contributes to protection and durability. This glove is suited for dedicated catchers seeking a professional-level mitt with excellent materials and comfort features, although it requires patience to break in and adapt to its size and weight.

The Rawlings PLAYER PREFERRED Baseball Catcher's Mitt is a 33-inch mitt designed for adult players, making it suitable for recreational baseball and slowpitch softball. It features a one-piece solid web, which is traditional for catcher's mitts and provides reliable catching performance. The mitt is crafted from full-grain leather, ensuring durability and a long-lasting lifespan. The lining is synthetic leather, which may not provide the same feel or breathability as genuine leather linings.

The Zero Shock Palm Padding is a standout feature, offering excellent protection against high-impact catches, which is essential for catchers. Another advantage of this glove is its adjustable wrist strap, allowing players to customize the fit for maximum comfort during play. The mitt is almost ready to use right out of the box with an 80% factory break-in and requires just 20% player break-in, making it convenient for those who prefer minimal break-in time.

One potential drawback is the mitt's weight, at 1.5 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some players, especially younger ones or those new to playing catcher. This mitt is best suited for adult recreational players looking for a durable, well-padded mitt with a game-ready feel.