The Best Gloves for Shortstops: A Complete Guide

When it comes to excelling in the shortstop position, having the right baseball glove is crucial. A shortstop must field hard-hit balls, execute quick transfers, and make precise throws across the diamond. The best gloves for shortstops combine a shallow pocket, high-quality leather, and a design that enhances infield play. Whether you’re a seasoned baseball player or a newcomer playing short, this guide will help you find the best shortstop glove for your game.

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What Makes a Glove Ideal for Shortstops?

Shortstops need a baseball glove designed for speed, agility, and control. Unlike outfield gloves, which have a deeper pocket and longer fingers, middle infielder gloves are smaller gloves with a shallower pocket. This design allows for quicker ball transfers and better control when fielding ground balls or catching hard-hit balls.

Key Glove Features for Shortstops:

• Shallow Pocket: Allows for quick ball transfers, an essential skill for middle infielders.
• Durability: High-quality leather ensures the glove lasts multiple seasons.
• Comfortable Fit: The best baseball gloves conform to the player’s hand over time, offering a secure feel.
• Open Back: An open back allows the hand to breathe and stay cooler, makes the glove flexible, and allows the player to leave their index finger out of the glove for better retention.
• Reinforced Palm Pad: Helps absorb impact from hard-hit balls.
• Web Design: Most shortstops prefer an I-web or H-web for better visibility and ball control.
• Break-in Process: Some gloves are game-ready, while others require more break-in time.

Top Glove Brands for Shortstops

Several brands produce some of the best gloves for shortstops. Let’s take a look at the leading options in the baseball world.

Rawlings Gloves

Rawlings gloves are among the most popular choices for shortstops. The Rawlings Heart of the Hide and Rawlings Pro Preferred series are favorites due to their high-quality leather and excellent durability. Rawlings gloves provide a great balance between flexibility and stiffness, allowing players to break in their new gloves to fit their playing style. Many professional shortstops, including Francisco Lindor, trust Rawlings gloves for their infield play.

Wilson Gloves

Wilson is another top brand, offering some of the best shortstop gloves on the market. The Wilson A2000 and Wilson A2K are legendary for their craftsmanship and durability. Brandon Crawford, a World Series-winning shortstop, uses Wilson gloves to dominate the hot corner and make incredible plays at shortstop.

The Best Gloves for Shortstops at Younger Levels

When shopping for an infield glove for younger kids, the most important factors are a lightweight and a glove that’s easy for them to close. Since kids’ hands are smaller, look for gloves with a smaller hand stall—the area where their fingers go. Some great options for gloves with small hand stalls include:

• Rawlings ContoUR Fit Gloves
• Wilson Pedroia Fit Gloves
• Mizuno Prospect Select Models

For younger athletes, a more expensive glove doesn’t always mean better. While premium gloves are made with harder, more durable leather, this can be challenging for younger kids to handle. The stiff leather found in high-end gloves is ideal for older players who need durability because the ball moves faster. But for younger players, it’s better to go for a softer, more flexible glove so they can easily squeeze it shut.

Mizuno Prospect Select Infield Model (11.5″)

Find it on Mizuno.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• It is cheaper than the rest of the gloves on this list.
• This glove offers a full-grain leather shell which gives good durability for the price range
• Dark color to hide dirt and dust.

Cons

• May only give your player a year or two of use before having to upgrade.

Rawlings 11″ R9 ContoUR Model Infield Glove

Find it on Rawlings.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Offers a smaller hand stall for better performance for the younger shortstop.
• Equipped with softer leather perfect for a kid to play with it right out of the box.
• This glove could last your player multiple years of playing as it is fitted with soft but durable leather.

Cons

• The glove is a little bit smaller than traditionally used in the infield

Wilson 11.5″ A900 Pedroia Fit Infield Glove

Find it on Wilson.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Features a small hand stall built for the use of small players
• A full leather palm liner to improve comfortability and have the glove form to your player’s hand.
• A soft leather to help young kids close it easier.

Cons

• The laces are not always the best quality and may crack. 

Best Shortstop Gloves for Kids (Ages 10-11)

At ages 10-11, kids are ready for a slightly stiffer glove, although they may need to break it in a bit before using it in games. You can help with this process by hitting the glove with a mallet and playing catch to speed up the break-in.

For smaller hands, you’ll still want a glove with a smaller hand stall. Recommended gloves for this age group include:

• Wilson A1000
• Mizuno MVP Prime
• Rawlings Gold Glove Elite or R9 Series
• 44 Pro C2 Model (Customizable, but about $50 more expensive than other options)

These gloves are designed for comfort and performance while maintaining durability.

Some great models for this age include:

Wilson 1786 A1000 (11.5″)

Find it on Wilson.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Shallow pocket for quick transfers.
• Built with durable leather that is soft and easy to break in
• It is a 1786 model Wilson’s best and most popular model.

Cons

• With the softer leather, you have to take good care of it so it doesn’t get misshaped in your bag.

Mizuno MVP Prime (11.75″)

Find it on Mizuno.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Great quality for how much you pay.
• Soft leather that holds the shape of the glove for long lastability
• Same durable lace that is offered in its high-end gloves.

Cons

• The Hand Stall is a little larger than the rest of the gloves listed for the age level.

(Note the Mizuno MVP Prime is an 11.75-inch glove which means that it is on the bigger end of infield gloves and it would be suited best for a third base glove.)

Rawlings 11.5″ R9 Series Infield Glove

Find it on Rawlings.com
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• It is made with the 200 pattern, the pattern most popular among pro infielders.
• It is made with a reinforced palm to stop balls from stinging.
• It’s ready for your player to make plays right out of the box.

Cons

• Has a deep pocket which can make transfers slower.

Best Shortstop Gloves for Middle School Baseball

Middle school is when the game gets more competitive, and kids need a glove that can keep up with the faster pace. A stiffer, more durable glove will help them handle harder hits and faster ball movements. Kids in this age group will also start using gloves with shallow pockets to make quicker transfers, especially for double plays.

The ideal glove sizes for middle school players range from 11.25” to 11.75”. Recommended models for middle school include:

• Rawlings Heart of the Hide
• Wilson A2000
• Mizuno Pro Select
• 44 Pro EX-10
• Marucci Capital M Series

These gloves are designed for quick, precise play, and the shallow pockets will help speed up ball transfers.

Top picks for middle school players include:

Rawlings 11.5″ Heart of the Hide Anthony Volpe Model

Find it on Rawlings.com

Pros

• Offers a flashy but still classic design for the player who wants a cool-looking glove
• Made with darker colors that won’t show dirt or dust.
• This glove offers a 25% faster break-in with a shell palm leather lining, padded thumb sleeve, and half-heel pad, delivering a pro-level feel and performance right out of the box.

Cons

• Constantly out of stock because of its high popularity.

Wilson A2000 11.5″ Infield Model

Find it on Wilson
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Shallow pocket for superior transfers.
• Basic colors for the players that just want a high-performing glove.
• Made with expert Craftsmanship for an amazing feeling glove.

Cons

• The blonde color will show dirt easily and will darken over time.

Marucci 11.5″ M-Type Infield Model

Find it on Marucci
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Professional-grade rawhide laces provide maximum tear resistance
• Premium Japanese leather gives high durability so you feel comfortable doing anything with it on the diamond.
• M Type fit system provides integrated thumb and pinky sleeves with enhanced thumb stall cushioning to maximize comfort and feel.

Cons

• The pocket depth might be a little bit deeper than what you may be looking for.

Mizuno Pro Select 11.5″ Infield Glove

Find it on Mizuno
Find it on Amazon

Pros

• Made with steerhide leather some of the best leather on the market.
• Super durable and high quality to bring your game to the next level.
• Gives a personal feel as it adapts to your hand.

Cons

• The color will show dirt and dust and will need lots of work to keep it the same color.

44 Pro EX-10 11.5″ Custom Infield Glove

Only at 44Pro

Pros

• Offers the best customization on the market.
• Cheaper than the rest of the gloves for this age level
• Softer leather for a quicker break-in

Cons

• The cheapest and worst leather on the list for this age level.

Best Infield Gloves for High School Baseball

At the high school level, the competition becomes even tougher. Players need a stiffer, more durable glove with a shallow pocket for quick transfers. These gloves might take weeks to break in but offer a custom feel and superior performance once they do.

For high school shortstops and infielders, the best glove sizes range from 11.25” to 11.75”. Some of the top options include:

• Wilson A2K
• Mizuno Pro
• Rawlings Pro Preferred
• Nokona S-1150

These gloves are some of the highest-quality models on the market, often ranging from $300 to $450. They are incredibly durable and form to the player’s hand with extended use.

Here are some of the best infield gloves for high school:

Wilson A2K 1786 11.5″ I-Web Infield Glove

Exclusive Spring 2025 Model at Wilson
Standard Model at Amazon

Pros

• The leather quality is the best of the best
• They are made with superior craftsmanship
• Made with double palm construction to stabilize the pocket

Cons

•  With the high-quality leather comes an extensive break-in period which may not be great for players looking to put the glove on right away and play with it in the game.

Rawlings Pro Preferred 11.5″ I-Web Infield Glove

Find it at Rawlings
Find it at Amazon

Pros 

• Free shipping and easy returns when ordered on Rawlings.com
• Full kip leather provides unmatched performance
• Pro Preferred gloves are equipped with Pittard’s sheepskin palm lining, offering superior comfort while effectively wicking away moisture. This ensures your hands remain dry, no matter the playing conditions.

Cons

• Because of the incredibly high-quality leather, it might have a heavier feel than what you are used to.

Nokona S-1150 11.5″ I-Web Infield Glove

Find it at Nokona
Find it at Amazon

Pro

• Really good quality
• Some of the best craftsmanship
• Made in the USA

Cons

• Has a steeper price tag than the rest of the gloves on this list.

Mizuno Pro 11.5″ I-Web Infield Glove

Find it at Mizuno
Find it at Amazon

Pros

• Great durability
• Incredibly comfortable
• Shapes to your hand.

Cons

• A long break-in that could take weeks to break in

How to Choose the Right Shortstop Glove

When selecting the best gloves for shortstops, consider your throwing hand, the break-in process, and your playing style. Some players prefer a softer, more flexible glove that is game-ready, while others opt for a stiffer, high-quality leather glove that molds to their hand over time. The following are some pointers, but we wrote a whole guide on how to choose a shortstop glove.

Sizing Guide for Shortstop Gloves

• 11.25 – 11.5 inches: Ideal for quick transfers and middle infielders.
• 11.5 – 11.75 inches: Best for players who want a balance between reach and control.
• 11.75 – 12 inches: More reach for fielding ground balls but slower transfers.

Custom Versions and Personalization

Many brands offer custom versions of their gloves, allowing players to select different models, web styles, and leather types. If you’re a serious baseball fan or player, investing in a custom shortstop glove can provide the perfect fit for your playing style.

Famous Shortstops and Their Gloves

Some of the greatest shortstops in baseball history have used specific gloves to make their iconic plays:

• Derek Jeter – Rawlings glove with a classic H-web
• Francisco Lindor – Rawlings Heart of the Hide with an I-web
• Andrelton Simmons – Wilson A2000 for lightning-fast transfers
• Brandon Crawford – Wilson A2K for premium durability and performance

Final Thoughts: Find the Perfect Shortstop Glove

Choosing the best shortstop glove comes down to your preferences and playing style. Whether you prefer a Rawlings glove, a Wilson glove, or another high-quality option, the key is finding a glove designed for middle infielders that offers a comfortable fit, quick transfers, and durability. If you’re looking for the best baseball gloves for shortstops, consider the models in this guide to elevate your game and dominate the infield!

Are You Ready to Find Your Perfect Shortstop Glove?

Now that you know the best gloves for shortstops, which one will you choose? Whether you play second base, third base, or shortstop, investing in a high-quality infield glove will help you field like a pro!