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Baseball gloves are extremely subjective. Everyone has individual preferences when it comes to size, brand, model, color, etc. The most important aspects of a glove come down to comfort and performance. A shortstop should feel confident in their glove and feel as if it is an extension of their hand.
In this article, I’m going to share my personal favorites for shortstops. Throughout my career in high school, college, and professional baseball I went through many gloves and after thinking I was a life-long Rawlings user, I made the switch halfway through college to Wilson. I tried other brands including SSK, Mizuno, Nokona, and Akadema, but ultimately always came back to Rawlings or Wilson, which are the focus of this list.
My top recommendations for shortstop gloves:
Best Wilson Gloves for Shortstops
- Wilson 2022 A2K SC1786 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
- Wilson 2023 A2K 1786SS 11.5” Infield Baseball Glove
- Wilson 2022 A2000 1786 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
Best Rawlings Gloves for Shortstops
- Rawlings | PRO Preferred | 11.5″ – Pro I Web
- Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | R2G Narrow Fit | 11.5″ 1-Piece Solid Web
- Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | Traditional Break-in | 11.5″ – Single Post
Best Glove for Shortstops with Smaller Hands
- Wilson 2022 A2000 DP15 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
- Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | R2G Narrow Fit | 11.5 ” – Pro I Web
Best Glove for Shortstops that also Pitch
- Wilson 2021 A2000 1789 11.75″ Utility Baseball Glove
- Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | HYPERSHELL| 11.75″ – 2-Piece Solid
I’ve had a hands-on experience with all of these models, and while it is strictly my opinion, I believe Rawlings and Wilson gloves are the best quality on the market and provide consistently good options for shortstops to find a model that works for them. I highly suggested trying out different models for size and feel to find something that is comfortable.
Best Wilson Gloves for Shortstops
I’d give Wilson a slight edge over Rawlings mainly due to the break-in process and durability that I’ve found to be consistent across A2K and A2000 models. With Wilson, the construction and leather allowed me more leeway when breaking-in gloves to my preference.
Comparing the popular A2K and A2000 models, the A2K is second to none in durability and maintains its structure long after the break-in period. I’ve found A2000s to be more game ready out of the box, but wear down and get floppy sooner than the A2Ks.
1. Wilson 2022 A2K SC1786 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
Best For: Players that like a traditional leather feel and break-in process and prefer a traditional infield web pattern.
Worst For: Players looking for a game-ready glove out of the box.
Summary: Top-tier workhorse, expect quality and a long-lasting glove that can handle the wear and tear of multiple seasons.
Current Price: Check here
2. Wilson 2023 A2K 1786SS 11.5” Infield Baseball Glove
Best For: Players looking for a lighter option in the A2K model family. Traditional infield web pattern.
Worst For: Players that prefer only traditional leather construction.
Summary: This popular 1786 model from Wilson features SupersSkin; a microfiber material half the weight of Pro Stock Leather.
Current Price: Check here
3. Wilson 2023 A2000 1786 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
Best For: Player looking for a traditional shortstop model with an easier break-in period and softer by still durable leather.
Worst For: Players that prefer very thick and stiff leather.
Summary: A2000s are probably the best value for the money. Professional grade construction, at a more affordable price point than A2Ks.
Current Price: Check here
Best Rawlings Gloves for Shortstops
Rawlings has been a staple for MLB, college, and high school shortstops for decades. Like Wilson, Rawlings gloves are made from high-quality leather and are constructed extremely well. They definitely have a different feel from Wilson gloves. I would describe Rawlings gloves as having a more stripped-down and gritty feel than other models. The leather feels slightly thinner and gives the gloves a less padded feel. This comes down to personal preference. I used Rawlings gloves for years and even customized a few which is a really fun process. I noticed in comparison to the Wilson gloves I used, that they broke down slightly quickly and felt sloppy after one or two seasons, but this quality is something certain players seek out.
1. Rawlings | PRO Preferred | 2022 | 11.5″ – Pro I Web
Best For: Players who like a stiff feel and traditional web that are looking for a long-lasting durable glove.
Worst For: Quick break-in and weight.
Summary: Time-tested model, used by several MLB shortstops. Takes a while to break in, but good for forming it in exactly as desired.
Current Price: Check here
2. Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | R2G Narrow Fit | 11.5″ 1-Piece Solid Web
Best For: Shortstops looking for a 1-piece solid web and a glove that feature a narrower fit.
Worst For: Players that prefer traditional infield web patterns.
Summary: Good alternative for those who want a solid web. This is a versatile glove and could handle middle infield and third base.
Current Price: Check here
3. Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | Traditional Break-in | 11.5″ – Single Post
Best For: Shortstops looking for a web pattern other than an “I” web. Also for those looking for a flashier option, that is more budget-friendly than a PRO Preferred model.
Worst For: Shortstops that also pitch and those who prefer a thicker and more padded glove feel.
Summary: A great alternative web pattern to the standard infield gloves. Heart of the hide is a great line for players that want a more unrefined feel in their glove.
Current Price: Check here
Best Glove for Shortstops with Smaller Hands
In a partnership with Dustin Pedroia, Wilson developed a model that features a smaller wrist opening and narrower finger stalls. These models are perfect for younger players or just players that prefer a tighter fit. I have found that Rawlings gloves tend to have a wider wrist opening than other glove manufacturers, so as someone who prefers a snug fit, I would definitely consider a glove that is specifically made with this in mind, especially when choosing a Rawlings glove.
1. Wilson 2022 A2000 DP15 11.5″ Infield Baseball Glove
Best For: Players that prefer Wilson gloves looking for a tighter fitting glove.
Worst For: Players that prefer stiffer leather that does not break in quickly.
Summary: Arguably Wilson’s best glove for the money. This glove fits a wide range of players and provides a great alternative fit that is extremely popular with players.
Current Price: Check here
2. Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | R2G Narrow Fit | 2022 | 11.5 ” – Pro I Web
Best For: Players that prefer Rawlings gloves looking for a tighter fitting glove.
Worst For: Players that prefer a highly padded feel.
Summary: Rawlings version of the Wilson DP15. Equally as versatile as the DP15, a great option for an alternative fit.
Current Price: Check here
Best Glove for Shortstops that also Pitch
For the shortstops that also pitch and are looking for one glove for both positions, it’s best to opt for a model with a closed web. This means instead of a traditional “I” or “H” web found on most infield gloves, a solid one-piece, two-piece, or trapeze web will work well at both positions. These webs provide more coverage and don’t leave the ball or pitcher’s grip exposed when on the mound.
1. Wilson 2021 A2000 1789 11.75″ Utility Baseball Glove
2. Rawlings | Heart of The Hide | HYPERSHELL| 11.75″ – 2-Piece Solid
Best For: Shortstops who pitch that prefer a slightly larger glove and solid webbing without sacrificing weight.
Worst For: Players that like a traditional shortstop glove.
Summary: Rawlings HYPERSHELL is a lighter-weighted option in comparison to standard models. This is a versatile glove that could handle several positions around the infield and on the mound due to the solid web and color.
Current Price: Check here
