What Execs Put on: What Gear Do MLB Catchers Put on? Here is Your 2023 Catcher’s Gear Report

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What Execs Put on: What Gear Do MLB Catchers Put on? Here is Your 2023 Catcher’s Gear Report

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February 3, 2024

What Execs Put on: What Gear Do MLB Catchers Put on? Here is Your 2023 Catcher’s Gear Report

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For the second time since 2018, we’ve compiled the info from the 2023 MLB season to deliver you the catcher’s gear report. Specializing in the beginning catchers listed on Baseball-Reference.com’s 2023 staff pages, we examined the most well-liked manufacturers of catcher’s gear, gloves, and masks used all year long.

Catchers want gear that they’ll depend on for efficiency and security. Judging by the numbers, there’s a clear consensus about the most effective gear within the recreation. Rawlings, Nike, All-Star and Force3 solidified themselves as a number of the high manufacturers amongst Main League catchers, all having very sturdy showings.

Let’s check out the most well-liked manufacturers of masks/helmets across the league.

Lately, it’s frequent to see catchers mixing and matching their most well-liked masks model with completely different gear. This may be attributed to new and improved head safety know-how that not all manufacturers supply. For instance, a catcher that wears an All-Star masks with Nike gear has change into frequent and gamers make decisions for shielding their heads outdoors of contractual obligations. For instance, Braves backstop Sean Murphy prefers the Force3 masks, so he wears it. For the remainder of his protecting gear, although, he’ll go along with Rawlings – identical to his leather-based.

Earlier than we see the stats, what do you put on?

All-Star Masks: Worn by 30% of MLB Beginning Catchers

All-Star has been one of many strongest manufacturers within the recreation for years, particularly amongst catchers. They maintained the identical proportion from 2022 over to 2023 and, at almost a 3rd of the league, it exhibits that All-Star catcher’s masks/helmets are a mainstay in MLB. The MVP5 helmet has been properly obtained by MLB starters (worn by Rutschman beneath), their most secure helmet up to now, they might be coming for the crown.

The MVP5’s shock absorption is completely different than Force3’s, but it surely appears to perform the same outcome: defending the top of probably the most irreplaceable man on the sphere. Two of the League’s greatest up-and-coming catching stars, Adley Rutschman and Joey Bart, rocked All-Star helmets all through the season.

Force3 Masks: Worn by 27% of MLB Beginning Catchers

Christian Vazquez rocked the Force3 masks in 2023.

Force3’s reputation has skyrocketed amongst catchers lately and so they have been named an Official Catcher’s Masks Companion of MLB Gamers, Inc in 2021. The model did see a decline in its utilization throughout the league – going from 47% in 2022 to 27% in 2023. Christian Vazquez, Will Smith, William Contreras, and Gary Sanchez all selected Force3 in 2023.

Different Masks Manufacturers Worn By MLB Beginning Catchers

Luis Campusano went all Nike every thing final season.

Rounding out the listing have been Nike (17%), Rawlings (10%), Mizuno (7%), Easton (3%) and Underneath Armour (3%). Easton and UA made appearances on our starters listing after not having performed so the earlier season. The catcher-based manufacturers in All-Star and Force3 personal 53% of the helmet share in MLB.

Two-Piece Masks vs Hockey-Model Helmets

J.T. Realmuto opted for the two-piece masks in 2023.

What fashion of headgear a catcher chooses to put on in recreation is all about choice. You might be more likely to see MLB catchers sporting conventional two-piece fashion masks moderately than hockey-style, although the latter is rising. 63% put on two-piece masks whereas hockey masks noticed a 14% improve from 2022.

It is very important really feel snug behind the plate, and selecting the best gear could make all of the distinction in the best way a catcher performs. The league’s two hottest gear manufacturers, Nike and Rawlings, are worn by 60% of all beginning catchers, together with a number of the league’s greatest.

Earlier than we get into the professionals, what chest and leg guards do you put on?

Nike: Worn by 43% of MLB Beginning Catchers

Nike has continued to be a giant participant within the catching recreation. Catchers characteristic prominently on tv broadcasts and that signifies that they’re supplied profitable contracts to put on the gear. Their player-exclusive gear is without doubt one of the most sought-after items of baseball gear amongst non-professional and unsponsored catchers. They paved the way within the chest and leg guard class with Francisco Alvarez, J.T. Realmuto, and Gabi Moreno all choosing the swoosh.

Francisco Alvarez rocking a street shade means of Nike catcher’s gear.

Nike went forward and launched the very gear that used to be so coveted by amateurs all through the nation. For youthful Tyler Soderstrom’s sake, it has made the hunt a lot simpler.