7 Best Batting Gloves for Baseball: Coach-Approved Picks for 2025
As a coach who’s watched hundreds of at-bats, I can tell you: the best batting gloves can make a huge difference in your swing, comfort, and confidence at the plate. Whether you’re a 10-year-old just getting serious or a high schooler gearing up for varsity ball, having the right batting gloves matters.
Below are my top picks for youth and teen players, from trusted brands like Jax, Bruce Bolt, Franklin, Evoshield, and Warstic. We’ll break down the features, materials, and fit of each pair so you can make the best call for your game.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission if you purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend gear I’ve seen work on the field.
Best Batting Gloves for Baseball
BEST OVERALL: Bruce Bolt Premium Pro Series
Bruce Bolts are known for elite quality baseball batting gloves with a unique feel. These gloves are handcrafted with 0.9mm Cabretta leather, making them a top choice for serious players.
Why we love them: Bruce Bolt gloves are built to last through an entire season (or more), even with daily hitting sessions. The extended wrist strap provides superior support, which is perfect for power hitters who want maximum stability.
Pros:
- Premium leather for unmatched grip and feel
- Double reinforced palm for added durability
- Extended wrist strap adds support and structure
- Popular among MLB players
Cons:
- Higher price point may be too steep for casual players
- Slim fit may not suit players with wide fingers or hands
Find the Bruce Bolt Premium Pro Series on Amazon:
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Long Cuff
Find the Bruce Bolt Premium Pro Series on Scheels:
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Long Cuff
Find the Bruce Bolt Premium Pro Series on Academy Sports:
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Long Cuff
BEST VALUE: Franklin CFX Pro
The iconic Franklin Cfx Pro is one of the most-used batting gloves in the big leagues. Franklin batting gloves in general are a great choice for players who want pro-level features at a solid cost.
Why we love them: This glove is the perfect balance of quality, flexibility, and bat control. It’s a favorite among MLB players, and with good reason. The seamless palm and lightweight backhand make it feel like a second skin.
Pros:
- Pittards Digital leather for consistent grip
- Flexible materials for natural movement
- Worn by pros like Aaron Judge
Cons:
- Minimal padding might not suit players needing more hand protection
- Slight wear can appear with frequent use in cold weather
Find the Franklin CFX Pro batting gloves on Amazon:
Adult and Youth Sizes
Find the Franklin CFX Pro batting gloves on Academy Sports:
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Youth
Find the Franklin CFX Pro batting gloves on Scheels:
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Youth
BEST THUMB PROTECTION: Jax Batting Gloves – Pro Series
Jax batting gloves are a newer brand but are quickly gaining respect for their focus on player protection and performance.
Why we love them: These gloves were designed with injury prevention in mind. The integrated padded glove insert helps minimize vibrations, especially in the thumb crease—a common pain point for younger hitters.
Pros:
- Patented thumb guard for added shock absorption
- Great for players with past hand or thumb injuries
- Superior grip and excellent hand protection
Cons:
- Slight added thickness may not appeal to players who prefer ultra-thin gloves
- May take a few games to fully break in
Get the Jax Model One Pro on Amazon
4. Evoshield SRZ-1 Batting Gloves
Known for their fielding glove and armor, Evoshield brings their technology into the batting world with the SRZ-1.
Why we love them: These are built for players who value speed, breathability, and bat control. The snug fit and mesh backing make them great for hot games and practice sessions.
Pros:
- Molded wrist strap molds to your wrist
- Lightweight, breathable materials for hot days
- Stylish designs in many colors
Cons:
- Synthetic palm material not as long-lasting as leather
- Not the best option for damp or cold weather
Get the Evoshield SRZ-1 Batting Gloves on Amazon
5. Franklin Powerstrap Batting Gloves
Another great option from Franklin, the Powerstrap is built with hitters in mind.
Why we love them: The Powerstrap model combines structure with comfort. The flexible design and durable palm material make it a go-to for players who swing big and swing often.
Pros:
- Pre-curved fingers conform to your grip
- Reinforced palm enhances durability for frequent hitters
- Simplified strap system makes gear-up fast
Cons:
- Bulkier than the franklin cfx pro
- Not as lightweight or breathable as other models
Get the Franklin Powerstrap Batting Gloves on Amazon:
Short Cuff
Long Cuff
6. Rawlings Workhorse Gloves
If you’re looking for value and durability, the Rawlings Workhorse is one of the best gloves for the money.
Why we love them: This glove shines during tough practice sessions and long seasons. It’s ideal for players who put in work at the cage and the field.
Pros:
- Oiltac leather palm delivers tacky grip
- Reinforced palm for repeated use
- Extra padding reduces sting from mis-hits
Cons:
- Slightly less flexible than thinner batting gloves
- Takes a little time to break in
Get the Rawlings Workhorse Batting Gloves on Amazon:
Adult
Youth
7. Warstic Workman III Batting Gloves
Warstic might be best known for their bats, but their Workman III gloves are an under-the-radar gem. Designed for hitters who want style and strength.
Why we love them: Built with premium leather and tailored stitching, the Workman III balances comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Plus, Warstic’s unique brand design stands out in the dugout.
Pros:
- Premium leather for a high-end feel
- Great bat control and tactile feedback
- Clean design available in bold or neutral colors
Cons:
- Slightly higher cost than some other options
- Limited availability in youth sizes
Get the Warstic Workman3 batting gloves on Amazon
Things to Know About the Best Batting Gloves
Choosing the best batting gloves isn’t just about the brand or price. There are a few key things you should understand before you pick your next pair.
Fit and Comfort
A proper fit means better bat control and less risk of blisters. A glove that’s too tight can restrict your swing, while one that’s too loose will bunch in the palm or fingers.
To test fit: make a fist while wearing the gloves. You shouldn’t feel resistance across your knuckles or any pinching near the index finger or thumb. If you do, size up.
Material Matters
Most batting gloves are made of leather, synthetic blends, or both. Leather gives you better feel and durability, while synthetics offer flexibility and lower cost.
Leather is typically preferred by older or more serious players who take a lot of swings. Synthetics may be better for younger players who are still growing or aren’t hitting daily.
Reinforced Palm Protection
If you swing hard or hit a lot, go for gloves with a reinforced palm. It adds durability and helps protect against friction from repeated swings.
This is especially important during high-volume practice or cage sessions where most batting gloves wear down the fastest.
Wrist Support
A secure wrist strap can enhance your confidence at the plate, especially if you’ve dealt with past injuries or instability.
Long cuffs or molded straps help stabilize the wrist and improve bat control. If your glove loosens during at-bats, it might be time to upgrade.
Breathability and Sweat Management
Look for mesh panels or perforated materials to keep your hands dry. Sweat buildup can ruin grip and even cause your gloves to wear faster.
Breathability is especially crucial in warmer months or during tournaments with back-to-back games.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of batting gloves on the market, but the best batting gloves are the ones that help you feel confident and protected every time you step to the plate. Whether you’re picking up your first pair or upgrading to something more elite like the Bruce Bolts, Jax batting gloves, or Franklin Cfx Pro, these gloves will have you swinging with purpose.
Keep in mind that batting gloves are an extension of your swing. The right fit, features, and materials can impact your performance just as much as your bat or stance. Choose wisely, take care of them, and they’ll take care of your hands.
Stay focused, play hard, and remember: your bat is only as good as the gloves that help you hold onto it.
Batting Gloves FAQs
What are the best gloves for baseball?
My favorite batting gloves come from Bruce Bolt, which I feel are the best quality and offer excellent customer service. But, from an economical standpoint, Franklin batting gloves offer the best value overall.
What batting gloves do MLB players use?
Most MLB players wear Franklin or Bruce Bolts. Some also wear EvoShield. But, the overwhelming majority are rocking Franklins.
What makes good batting gloves?
There are a few things that make good batting gloves: Quality leather, plenty of reinforcement in the palm, and excellent customer service.
How often should I replace batting gloves?
The unfortunate truth about batting gloves is that they do tear over time. Once they tear, they’ll start to expose your hand to the same stress that tore the glove in the first place. So, replace them when they tear or if you outgrow them.
