As a catcher, picking the right mitt is essential to performing at your highest level. Having the right mitt can be the difference between a crucial called strike three or a walk; a passed ball or pick out of the dirt; a perfect throw down to second or an easy stolen base.
We make catcher's mitts to perform at every level, including the most intense standards of play. That’s why more than 70 percent of MLB catchers use Rawlings mitts behind the dish.
If you’re shopping for a catcher’s mitt, it can be helpful to hear what the pros consider when choosing their glove for the long and relentless season. Let’s run through a few different factors that Rawlings Gold Glove Award winners look for when they choose a catcher’s mitt.
But First: Catcher’s Glove vs. Catcher’s Mitt
Even though they’re often used interchangeably, the terms “baseball glove” and “baseball mitt” mean different things.
The word “mitt” comes from “mitten,” like what you might wear to go sledding during the winter. In a mitt, the fingers of the glove are connected in the outer shell and stitched to give them individual stalls inside; in a glove, the fingers are all separate pieces of the shell, shaped by welting to hold individual stalls. As a result, mitts have more of a circular shape than gloves, ideal for presenting a large target and scooping balls out of the dirt.
In short, that means that catchers and first basemen use mitts; everyone else uses gloves. But catcher’s mitts are distinct from first base mitts, too. Because catchers are handling high-velocity pitches from close distances, they’re loaded with more padding, particularly around the edges of the glove. This helps catchers “stick” the ball in place when they receive it, which is a crucial part of pitch framing.
Now, let’s get into what the pros look for in a catcher’s mitt.
Adley Rutschman’s Catcher’s Mitt: Feel & Shape
All-star Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles is one of the best backstops in the game, blending a strong arm with soft hands and quick reactions for elite defense behind the plate.
Rutschman worked with Rawlings to develop the AR35 Heart of the Hide pattern, featuring a 1-piece solid web and back shell that more closely resembles an infield glove construction. The shape of the AR35 mitt creates a deeper, slightly narrower pocket than some other catcher’s mitts, which helps him limit his hand movement on pitches around the edge of the zone.
On top of that, the world-renowned Heart of the Hide leather retains its shape and performance as it breaks in, leaving Adley with a soft, easy-to-control leather that can still stand up to the nastiest big league pitching.
Jose Trevino’s Catcher’s Mitt: Flex & Forgiveness
In 2022, Jose Trevino of the New York Yankees became the first American League catcher to win the Rawlings Platinum Glove Award, given annually to each league’s top all-around defender.
Trevino’s catcher’s mitt is all about forgiveness and durability. His mitt features a wide, circular shape that’s perfect for handling high velocity and movement while giving your pitcher a big target to aim for. When you have to catch guys like Gerrit Cole, having forgiveness in your mitt is key!
JT Realmuto’s Catcher's Mitt: Premium Material & Quickness
J.T Realmuto of the Philadelphia Phillies has used a Rawlings Pro Preferred catcher's mitt to win two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards and lead all catchers in Wins Above Replacement since 2019. He’s also earned a fearsome reputation among the league’s base stealers. In 2023, Realmuto led all big-league catchers with a miniscule 1.83 pop time (the time between when a ball hits the catcher’s glove and when it arrives at second base). To move that fast, he relies on a shallower glove shape that helps with quick transfers. In addition, the Pro Preferred series uses supple, firm kip leather that’s perfect for keeping the ball in perfect transfer position.
In an exclusive interview with Rawlings, Realmuto described some of the features he loves about his mitt:
Jonah Heim’s Catcher’s Mitt: Security and Control
Jonah Heim of the Texas Rangers also flashes Rawlings leather on the diamond – and used it to win his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2023 (in addition to a World Series ring). Heim is looking to add some more hardware to his trophy case this season as he sports his 34” Pro Preferred catcher's mitt. His CM41 pattern features the widest and deepest pocket of any catcher’s mitt pattern available, which helps frame pitches and presents a wide target to the pitcher. The CM41 also features a slightly lighter thumb pad, which allows for more control and lighter weight over the glove’s wider shape.
Heim is one of the game’s most electric young catchers, and his Rawlings gear is right there with him for every play.
The Bottom Line: Find What Feels Good
While every catcher in the game has different choices with their mitt, the game’s best have something in common: They choose Rawlings.
No matter which pattern you go with, you’ll be getting a mitt with the best materials, fit, and control in the game. Shop the pros’ gloves below, or hit the custom builder to design your own perfect catcher’s mitt!
