So you’re an infielder looking for a new glove? One of the most common questions we get at WPW is, “What size glove does (insert player) use?” While its great to do your homework and compare, what’s right for Carlos Correa might not be right for you. As you look through the likes of Wilson and Rawlings’ glove catalogs, you see many options. Too many options. 11.5” inch models. 11.75” gloves. And even a few 12.25” mitts. To simplify your glove search process, here’s a quick guide for you to pick the perfect glove size so you can get the most from your next mitt.
We’ve even included our favorite models from each size group to help you find the glove that you want even faster:
11.25” – Preferred Glove Length of Gleyber Torres, Ian Kinsler, Trevor Story
Gleyber Torres’ glove length is 11.25″ inches.
11.25” inches is a great size for the middle infield. It allows for the middle infielder’s dream shallow pocket. The perfect weight for fielding ground balls and reacting to bad hops.
Ian Kinsler wore an 11.25″ glove.
But for many, it’s just too small. I personally used an 11.25” glove for a season, and the glove felt too small, too often. Balls ricocheted off the fingers. The pocket felt too shallow in certain situations. With that said, if you’re looking to make the quickest transfers in the middle infield, an 11.25” glove is the way to go. Just make sure you field test one before you spend some serious dough on a new 11.25” model.
Trevor Story‘s glove length is 11.25″ inches.
Our favorite 11.25″ models for infielders: Wilson A2000 PF88, Rawlings Pro Preferred PROS2172-2MO
11.5” – Preferred Glove Length of Jose Altuve, Xander Bogaerts, Didi Gregorius, Josh Harrison
Jose Altuve‘s glove length is 11.5″ inches.
11.5″ inches is the baseline length for middle infield gloves. The large majority of MLB middle infielders use this size. And the truth is… it’s the best size for middle infielders. You simply get the best of every world from this glove size: Shallow Pocket. Ample Reach. Great Control of your Mitt.
Josh Harrison‘s glove length is 11.5″ inches.
And the best patterns are even built in an 11.5” package. We’re talking about the 1786. The PRO204.
Xander Bogaerts glove length is 11.5″ inches.
So if you’re looking for the safest play for the middle infield, you’ll love what any 11.5” glove has to offer you at short or second. You’ll even love it at the hot corner if a shallower pocket suits your style at third.
Josh Harrison’s glove.
Our Favorite 11.5″ glove models for infielders: Wilson A2000 1786, Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRO314
11.75” – Preferred Glove Length of Manny Machado, Francisco Lindor, Adrian Beltre, Carlos Correa
Carlos Correa’s glove length is 11.75″ inches.
So maybe your coach shuffles you around the infield. One game you’re at shortstop. The next at third base. And finally, your coach throws you at second base for a couple innings.
Carlos Correa‘s glove length is 11.75″ inches.
Or maybe you’re a bigger shortstop, like Carlos Correa, looking for more reach at short.
Josh Donaldson‘s glove length is 11.75″ inches.
You could even be a third baseman looking for a little more control. If any of these describe you, you’ll definitely want an 11.75” glove. You’ll get excellent reach. A pocket that’ll still be able to turn two in a jiffy. And, yes, you can use it at any infield spot and still play Gold Glove defense. Match it with an I-web and you’re golden anywhere. Or match it with a single post and you’ll have a heck of a glove at third base.
Francisco Lindor’s glove.
Our Favorite 11.75″ glove models for infielders: Rawlings Pro Preferred FL12, Wilson A2000 KBH13 (Ke’Bryan Hayes)
12” – Preferred Glove Length of Nolan Arenado, Alex Rodriguez
Nolan Arenado‘s glove length is 12″ inches.
12” inches is a huge glove for the infield dirt. And it’s certainly not for any infielder looking for a new glove. Here’s why: first, a 12” glove will feel huge—not only in length, but in weight and width, too. It’ll definitely be a lot harder to control than any other glove size on this list. Second, it’s pocket is too deep for most infield positions. You’ll have transfers issues using such a large glove at second and short. Nobody wants transfer issues.
Nolan Arenado’s glove.
And lastly, you don’t need 12” of leather in the middle infield. Instead, you should focus on a shallower pocket and lighter weight. If you’re an average-to-big third basemen, you’ll find a 12” mitt to be your best companion at the hot corner.
Our Favorite 12″ glove models for infielders: Wilson A2K 1912, Rawlings Heart of the Hide PRONP6
11” and Smaller
You might even like smaller gloves than those mentioned so far. You’re not alone. Plenty of big leaguers have used these tinier glove sizes. Craig Biggio used a 10.75” inch glove during his 1st ballot career. Freddy Galvis, currently on the San Diego Padres, uses a similar 11” model. (Editor’s Note: We had Andres Blanco as a current Padre, which was wrong. Thanks to @sdgloves on IG for the correction.)
There’s a specific reason they like using these smaller sizes. First, it’s hard to beat the transfer time of a pocket that’s barely large enough to catch the ball. Second, it’s just easier to control your glove. What you give up in size you get back in quicker transfer times and glove control. While it’s not an optimal tradeoff, it’s could be a great one for the right player at second base.
Our Favorites: You can’t get something this small as a stock glove, so you’ll have to go the custom route if you want something in the 11” range. That’s really not a bad thing, though.
Just a slight detail, but Alex Rodriguez used a 12″ as a shortstop then used the 12.25″ PRORV23 when he moved to third base
It was a cool guide
Machado is actually using a NP7 now. So he is in the 12.25″ size. It seems alot of 3rd baseman are going to larger sizes