Choosing the right youth baseball glove can be overwhelming — especially with so many options at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Whether your child is just starting out or already playing competitive travel ball, this guide breaks down the best youth baseball gloves by budget, skill level, and performance.

Glove Best For Price Skill Level

Rawlings GG Elite Best Overall ~$149 Intermediate

Wilson A2000 Premium ~$329 Advanced

Wilson A550 Budget ~$79 Beginner

Rawlings Highlight Easy Break-In ~$54 First-Time Players

Wilson A550 Series Best Intermediate ~ $74–$79 Stepping Up Players

Prices are subject to change. Check current pricing at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Rawlings 12” GG Elite Series Youth Baseball Glove

Best Overall Youth Baseball Glove (Dick’s Sporting Goods)

If you’re looking for a youth glove that feels serious — but isn’t $300 — this is one of the best options available right now.

The Rawlings 12” GG Elite Series Youth Glove combines real leather durability, strong pocket structure, and a classic pro-style look that young players love. It’s a major step up from entry-level synthetic gloves.

At $149.99, it sits perfectly between beginner gloves and high-end travel ball models.

Key Features

• 12” length (great for infield & developing outfield players)

• Premium leather shell

• Reinforced palm padding

• Youth-pro tapered fit for better wrist control

• Classic camel color with black laces

• 4.8-star rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods

Performance Review

Leather & Durability

This glove is made with genuine leather, which means it holds its shape better over time compared to cheaper synthetic gloves. It’s built to last multiple seasons if taken care of properly.

Break-In

It does require some break-in time — but that’s normal with quality leather. Once broken in, the pocket forms naturally to your child’s hand.

Fit & Comfort

The youth-specific fit helps with control and reduces that “too big” feeling some kids get with adult gloves. The 12” size gives versatility for multiple positions.

Pros

✔️ Durable leather construction

✔️ Strong customer reviews

✔️ Great balance of price and performance

✔️ Versatile 12” size

✔️ Professional look

Cons

❌ Needs break-in time

❌ More expensive than entry-level gloves

❌ Not ideal for very young beginners (ages 6–7)

Who Should Buy This?

This glove is ideal for:

• Ages 9–13

• Rec league players

• Kids transitioning to kid-pitch

• Travel ball beginners

• Parents who want quality without overpaying

If your child is committed to baseball and playing consistently, this is a smart investment.

Where to Buy

You can find the Rawlings 12” GG Elite Series Youth Glove (Camel/Black) at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

👉 [Check today's Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods]

Wilson 12” DW5 A2000 Classics Series Glove

Best Premium Youth Baseball Glove (Dick’s Sporting Goods)

If you’re looking for a true top-tier glove for a serious young player, the Wilson A2000 Classics Series is one of the most respected models in baseball.

At $329.99, this is not a beginner glove — this is a long-term investment for players competing at a high level.

Why This Is Our Premium Pick

• Pro Stock® American Steerhide leather

• Trusted A2000 craftsmanship

• Durable dual welting for pocket stability

• Classic black & blonde colorway

• Built for serious competition

This glove is designed for players who are committed to improving and playing consistently.

Performance Breakdown

Leather Quality

The Pro Stock® leather is extremely durable and holds its shape over time. Unlike entry-level gloves, this leather forms a strong, structured pocket that performs season after season.

Pocket & Control

The 12” size provides versatility while maintaining a controlled, firm pocket. It’s ideal for players who need confidence in high-speed game situations.

Break-In

This glove will require a proper break-in period. That’s expected at this level — premium leather takes time, but once broken in, it performs at an elite level.

Pros

✔️ Professional-grade leather

✔️ Long-lasting durability

✔️ Strong pocket structure

✔️ Classic pro look

✔️ Trusted A2000 reputation

Cons

❌ High price point

❌ Longer break-in time

❌ May be too advanced for beginners

Who Should Buy This?

This glove is ideal for:

• Competitive travel ball players

• Ages 11+ playing at a higher level

• Players who train year-round

• Parents ready to invest in long-term performance

If your child is just starting baseball, this is more glove than necessary.

If they’re serious and competing consistently — this is a premium-level choice.

Where to Buy

You can find the Wilson 12” DW5 A2000 Classics Series Glove (Black/Blonde) at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

👉 [Check Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods]

Wilson 12” Youth A550 Series Glove

Best Budget Youth Baseball Glove (Dick’s Sporting Goods)

If you’re looking for a quality glove under $100 that still comes from a trusted brand, the Wilson A550 is one of the best value options available.

At $79.99, it gives young players real leather feel without the premium price tag.

Why This Is Our Budget Pick

• Under $100 price point

• Genuine leather construction

• 4.4-star rating with 20+ reviews

• 12” size for versatility

• Classic brown baseball look

This glove sits perfectly between cheap starter gloves and mid-tier performance models.

Performance Breakdown

Leather & Feel

The A550 uses genuine leather, which means it feels sturdier and more durable than synthetic beginner gloves. It won’t perform like an A2000 — but it’s solid for its price range.

Break-In

Break-in time is shorter than premium gloves, making it easier for younger players to start using quickly.

Fit

The 12” size makes it versatile for multiple positions while still being youth-friendly.

Pros

✔️ Affordable

✔️ Real leather

✔️ Good customer reviews

✔️ Trusted Wilson brand

✔️ Great entry-level upgrade

Cons

❌ Not built for long-term travel ball

❌ Less structure than premium gloves

❌ May need replacing after heavy multi-season use

Who Should Buy This?

• Ages 8–12

• Rec league players

• Families wanting quality without overspending

• Players upgrading from synthetic gloves

If your child is just starting but seems committed, this is a smart middle-ground investment.

Where to Buy

You can find the Wilson 12” Youth A550 Series Glove (Brown) at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

👉 [Check Price at Dick’s Sporting Goods]

Rawlings 11.5” Youth Highlight Series Glove

Best Easy Break-In Youth Baseball Glove

If you’re shopping for a beginner or first-year youth player, the Rawlings Youth Highlight Series is one of the safest picks on the market. At under $60, this glove is lightweight, flexible, and much easier to close than full premium leather models.

The 11.5” size works well for infield and general youth play, making it a versatile option for players still learning their primary position. Parents especially love this glove because it requires less break-in time and doesn’t feel too stiff for smaller hands.

Why it stands out:

• ✔️ Budget-friendly (around $54.99)

• ✔️ Lightweight and easy to close

• ✔️ Designed specifically for youth players

• ✔️ Strong 4.7★ rating with 90+ reviews

• ✔️ Trusted Rawlings brand

If your child is just getting started in baseball and needs a glove that’s game-ready without weeks of break-in work, this is an excellent choice.

👉 Check current price and availability at Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Mizuno 11.5″ Youth Prospect PowerClose Series Glove

Best Youth Glove for Players Ready to Level Up

If your child has already played a season or two and needs something better than a basic starter glove — but isn’t ready for a $150+ elite model — the Mizuno Youth Prospect PowerClose is a smart upgrade.

At around $54–$60, this glove hits the sweet spot between beginner-friendly and performance-ready.

Why It Stands Out

✔ PowerClose Technology – Designed specifically for youth players with smaller hands, making it easier to close and control the glove

✔ 11.5″ Size – Ideal for infield positions and versatile enough for young players still figuring out where they play

✔ Durable Leather Shell – More structured than entry-level gloves, but not stiff like high-end pro models

✔ Fast Break-In Time – Game-ready without weeks of pounding and oiling

Who It’s Best For

• Players moving up from tee-ball or first-year baseball

• Youth infielders (2B, SS, 3B)

• Parents who want better quality without jumping to a $150+ glove

What to Know Before Buying

This is not a pro-level glove like a Wilson A2000 or Rawlings Heart of the Hide — and it’s not meant to be.

It’s built for developing players, not high school varsity athletes.

But for youth baseball?

It delivers excellent value.

Color Recommendation

Go with the classic brown / traditional leather look.

It’s the most versatile option, matches nearly every team uniform, and parents tend to prefer classic baseball colors over flashy designs.

👉 Check current price and availability at Dick’s Sporting Goods.