In the last 30 years, baseball and fastpitch have been blessed to see some incredible outfield defense get displayed on their biggest stages. The greatest defender to ever roam MLB outfields came in the 1990s in the form of Andruw Jones. And since he retired, outfielders like Kevin Kiermaier have kept up the high standard of safeguarding the big green ocean. And on the fastpitch front, we’ve seen highlight reel catches from players like former LSU star AJ Andrews and her younger sister and Aliyah Andrews.
And why have we seen such impressive outfield defense since the arrival of the 1990s? In this writer’s opinion, there can only be 1 answer: The Glove.
The modern outfield glove is lengthy and able to tightly secure a ball even when jostled around during a diving catch. In an era where we can more accurately measure defensive performance, it has become extremely important for fastpitch and baseball defenders to have the correct glove when heading out to roam the cavernous outfields on amateur ball fields. Because of that, our team of Glove Experts has put together this comprehensive list of 9 gloves that we believe outfielders must consider for use during 2024. Enjoy!
Best Outfield Gloves For Baseball & Softball
Baseball
- Wilson A2K SuperSkin 1810 12.75" Baseball Glove (WBW1008951275)
- Rawlings Gamer XLE Speed Shell Kris Bryant 12.25" Baseball Glove: GXLEKB17-6BSS
- Wilson A1000 12.5" Baseball Glove (WTA10RB20KP92)
- Mizuno MVP Prime 12.75" Baseball Glove (GMVP1275P4)
Fastpitch
- Wilson A2000 AA4 Aliyah Andrews 12.5" Spring Collection Fastpitch Softball Glove: WBW102745125
- Mizuno Prime Elite 13" Fastpitch Softball Glove (GPE1300F1)
- Wilson A2000 SuperSkin T125 12.5" Fastpitch Softball Glove (WBW100216125)
Reviews For Best 3 Outfield Baseball Gloves
1) Wilson A2K SuperSkin 1810 12.75" Baseball Glove (WBW1008951275)
The 1810 pattern from Wilson can make an argument for being the most comfortable for use in the outfield. This beautiful Wilson A2K glove is specifically designed with a wider pinky stall and modified wrist strap. The wider pinky stalls allows two fingers to be worn in it much easier when compared to other gloves. And the updated wrist strap ensures that your knuckles are always covered by the strap no matter the manner in which you wear the glove (traditional or with two fingers in the pinky stall). The new strap also improves fit while running, fielding and throwing.
Lastly, the beauty of this glove is enhanced by the black SuperSkin backing that goes extremely well with the tan leather.
Top Glove Features
- Pro Stock Select Leather Is The Best Leather Material From Wilson
- SuperSkin Backing Keeps The Glove Lightweight, Moisture Repellant & Strong
- Single Post Web with the "baseball stitch" lacing is a classy look
2) Rawlings Gamer XLE Speed Shell Kris Bryant 12.25" Baseball Glove: GXLEKB17-6BSS
This glove stands out immediately with its Speed Shell backing; a synthetic material that not only reduces weight but gives it a distinctive look that appears almost custom-made. The leather quality matches what you'd find on higher-end GG Elite or R9 models, but at a much more accessible price point under $200.
Its KB17 pattern has become incredibly popular, and for good reason. Originally designed for Kris Bryant's third base needs, this 12.25" pattern gives you that extra reach without the bulk of a traditional 12.5"-13" outfield glove. The H-Web design makes break-in easier since there's less lacing to work through. With only 20% break-in required, you'll be game-ready quickly.
If you're looking to make the switch to a more one-glove-fits-all-positions approach, the KB17 is an excellent option that can cover all your bases (literally). It's substantial enough for outfield work but nimble enough for infield play, making it perfect for players who want quality performance without carrying multiple gloves.
What are customers saying?
"Very light glove perfect size for infielders and the outfield if you want to buy only one glove for both."
3) Wilson A1000 12.5" Baseball Glove (WTA10RB20KP92)
This A1000 is in the running to achieve GOAT glove status at JustGloves. We’ve carried this glove for a long time and it simply doesn’t disappoint. If you are looking for a glove that will cover some ground in the outfield (12.5 inches…check) and break in within a short amount of time (A1000s have a “soft feel that forms to the player’s hand without a meticulous break-in”...check), then you need to consider picking up this A1000. It is made in the KP92 pattern that was inspired by the late Hall of Famer, Kirby Puckett. This pattern incorporates the Modified T-Web into its design which is a real show-stopper in regard to looks.
Customer chatter on the A1000:
“My son was told he would be playing the outfield. He only had an infielders glove. Bought the A1000 because it is supposed to be able to be broken in very quickly. It was ready to use in 2 days.” - JustGloves Customer, Brian Hilbert
Reviews For Best 3 Outfield Fastpitch Gloves
SHOP Aliyah Andrews 12.5" Spring Collection Fastpitch
If you're serious about your game and want a glove that feels as good as it performs, this is it.
The Wilson A2000 Aliyah Andrews model features something fairly unique. Wilson's buffed leather design has an almost suede-like texture. It's difficult to capture in photos, but when you handle this glove, you'll immediately notice the difference. The best part is that this leather treatment still maintains all the durability you expect from Pro Stock leather.
This 12.5" glove works beautifully in the outfield and for pitchers, though plenty of middle infielders love it too. The design is specifically crafted for female players, with a snugger fit that feels natural and comfortable, while the drawstring wrist closure allows for quick adjustments during play.
More Reasons To Buy:
- Aliyah Andrews' actual game model
- Lightweight but incredibly durable
- Great for multiple positions
This glove retails just under $300 and comes in right and left hand thrower options.
2) Mizuno Prime Elite 13" Fastpitch Softball Glove (GPE1300F1)
All players want to be proud of the glove they take with them to the outfield. If you settle in on getting this MVP Prime model, then you’ll definitely be proud! The white and gray leather go together extremely well. Add a few grass stains from laying out for some softballs in the outfield and it will have the final touch of character necessary to become your favorite glove of all time!
And Mizuno is very conscious when crafting this glove. A 13 inch glove can get heavy and to reduce the weight they actually perforated the leather on the back of the thumb and pinky to ensure that the weight could be decreased a little as well
A Couple More Reasons To Consider The Prime Elite:
- The UltraSoft Pro Palm Liner allows for a soft feel when catching a ball
- Finger Core Technology improve flexibility and comfort in the finger stalls. Also, it provides a better feel for players who wear 2 fingers in the pinky slot.
3) Wilson A2000 SuperSkin T125 12.5" Fastpitch Softball Glove (WBW100216125)
In most cases, we wouldn’t put a glove on this list that is only available for left handed throwers, but this one is an exception. A Wilson A2000 at this kind of deal needs to be shouted from the rooftops, even if it is only for lefties. Plus, we probably don’t give enough attention to left hand thrower gloves as it is!
This model comes with a length of 12.5 inches, which definitely qualifies it for outfield use. As well, it features Wilson’s SuperSkin backing to it. A knock that you might hear about a lengthier outfield glove (12.5 inches and longer) is that it feels too heavy. Well, the SuperSkin backing on this glove is going to reduce the weight and should make it easier to tote this glove into the big green ocean day after day, month after month, season after season!
Three More Reasons To Buy:
- Pro Stock Leather of A2000s is rugged + has unbeatable feel
- Flat Finger Binding makes it easier to wear your index finger on the outside backing of the glove
- Drawstring Lace Wrist Closure allows for quick and easy wrist size adjustments
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If you’ve made it this far then you can consider yourself an expert on outfield gloves during the year 2024. However, there is always more to learn (even for our Glove Experts). If you have more questions about selecting an outfield glove, please reach out at 866-321-4568, by email at experts@justgloves.com or by chatting with one of our Glove Experts right here.
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