Best Baseball Bats: The Best Bats For 2024

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to. Check out our top picks for the best bats of 2023.
Written by Mark Bailey
Last updated on

Selecting the best baseball bat can significantly boost your performance on the field. After evaluating the newest releases of 2023, I’m here to guide you towards the bats that stand out. If you aim to enhance your hitting prowess, these top picks from 2023 are set to elevate your game.

Best Baseball Bats in 2024: Our Top Picks

BatBest for…Price
Marucci CATX BBCOR baseball bat 250Marucci CATX BBCORBBCORCheck Price
louisville slugger mlb prime wood bat 250Louisville Slugger MLB PrimeWoodenCheck Price
easton adv 360 baseball bat 250Easton ADV 360 USAUSA (Youth)Check Price
Marucci CAT9 Composite USSSA Baseball Bat 250Marucci CAT9 Composite USSSAUSSSA (Adult)Check Price
Louisville Slugger Meta USSSA Baseball Bat 250Louisville Slugger Meta USSSAUSSSA (Youth)Check Price
Rawlings Raptor baseball batRawlings Raptor T-BallTee-BallCheck Price

Bare in mind that prices do fluctuate, so some bats we’ve listed in a certain range may go higher or lower from time to time.

You’re sure to find the right one for you from our choices! We’ve reviewed a ton of bats this year and have whittled it down to what we consider the top 10 baseball bats available to buy.

BBCOR Bats

BBCOR bats are used in high school and college baseball. Short for “Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution”, BBCOR measures the trampoline effect of a bat, ensuring that it follows safety guidelines and doesn’t give players an unfair advantage.

BBCOR bats must meet certain performance standards set by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). In order to bear the BBCOR stamp, a baseball bat must be a drop 3 and have a maximum barrel diameter of 2 5/8 inches. Its performance is meant to match that of a wooden bat.

Marucci CATX BBCOR: Top Pick

The CATX features a new barrel design that evenly distributes mass across the entire barrel for a wider, more consistent sweet spot. Production tolerances have been tightened to create a maximum diameter barrel, resulting in higher performance overall.

Marucci CATX BBCOR Bat

The Liquid-Gel Dampening System absorbs vibrations for a smooth, solid feel during contact. And the ergonomically designed handle taper provides a better fit and more control for athletes.

We love the Marucci CATX for many reasons. It’s a one-piece alloy bat that is different from any other Cat bat Marucci has come out with. The CATX also has a new grip design that is more comfortable and less likely to sting your hands.

The balance point is moved towards the hands, making it feel lighter in swing weight. And it feels similar to swinging a Voodoo One bat: light but not flimsy, with great pop. Plus, it has a thinner barrel than previous models and a lighter swing weight. So what’s not to love?

I had the chance to try out the Marucci CATX at a batting cage last week, and I loved it! The bat felt light but not flimsy, with great pop. It has a thinner barrel than previous models and a lighter swing weight, which makes it perfect for players who want the power of a one-piece alloy bat without feeling weighed down. I would definitely recommend the CATX to any player looking for a top-of-the-line BBCOR bat.

While CATX is our top pick for the best BBCOR bat available, it does have a few drawbacks. Mainly, it’s the most expensive one-piece alloy bbcor on the market, so it may not be affordable for everyone. 

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line BBCOR bat that’s sure to give you an edge on the competition, the Marucci CATX is a clear choice.

Marucci CAT8 BBCOR: Budget Pick

Marucci’s CAT8 BBCOR Baseball Bat is a great option for those looking for a high-quality bat at an affordable price. Made from AZ105 Alloy, the strongest aluminum in the Marucci line, this bat is designed for durability and an expanded sweet spot.

Marucci CAT8 BBCOR Bat

The 2 5/8-inch barrel provides plenty of room to make solid contact with the ball, and the -3 length-to-weight ratio makes it easy to control. The soft-touch grip and ergonomic knob shape provide a comfortable grip and reduce negative vibrational feedback.

And with a full one-year manufacturer’s warranty, you can be sure that this bat will last long into future seasons.

Wood Bats

Wood bats can be used at all levels of baseball. Wood bats are typically made from maple, ash, or birch and offer a traditional look and feel for players. However, they also come with certain limitations.

Due to their construction, wood bats tend to be less durable and can break more easily than metal or composite bats. In addition, their strength can vary greatly depending on the type of wood used and how well it has been seasoned.

While some adult players prefer the performance of wood bats, others may choose to use them during practice in order to improve their hitting technique.

Ultimately, the decision to use a wood bat often comes down to personal preference and performance. However, it’s important for players to understand the differences and potential drawbacks before making their choice.

Louisville Slugger MLB Prime: Top Pick

The Louisville Slugger MLB Prime is our top wood bat pick for adult players. This bat uses a 271 turn which usually means it would be very slightly end-loaded. But the cupped barrel helps get this bat back to perfect balance and provides more power by creating extra speed.

Louisville Slugger MLB Prime Wood Bat

The EXOPRO finish on these bats makes them look beautiful with their shiny, glossy surface that’s hard as a rock—not to mention durable enough to withstand heavy-duty use. It has the potential to increase both power and accuracy, giving you an edge over the competition.

The MLB Prime is also bone-rubbed to tighten the grains and ultimately harden the barrel surface. This bat will withstand even the most intense games without breaking a sweat.

So if you’re looking for a top-quality, durable bat that will help take your game to the next level, look no further than the Louisville Slugger MLB Prime C271 Maple Wood!

Louisville Slugger Genuine Series 3: Budget Pick

If you’re looking for an affordable option that still offers high quality, the Louisville Slugger Genuine Series 3 bat is a great choice. Made of ash wood, this bat is flexible and lightweight, making it perfect for players looking to take their game up another notch.

Louisville Slugger Genuine Series 3 Wood Bat

USA Bats

Looking to hit it out of the park at your next little league game? If your child is playing little league next season, make sure you have a bat that meets the USA Bat Standard.

These guidelines ensure fair play and safety, ensuring that all players are on even ground when it comes to equipment. The new standards limit barrel diameter and length, allowing for more control during play.

Wood, metal, or composite bats are all allowed as long as they are certified USABat compliant. Also, there is no longer a specific weight-length ratio requirement. So grab a bat that follows these guidelines and get ready to knock it out of the park!

Easton ADV 360 USA Bat: Top Pick

When it comes to finding the best baseball bat for your little leaguer, you need a bat that is designed to give them the best combination of speed and power.

Easton ADV 360 USA Bat

The Easton ADV 360 USA Baseball Bat is one of the most advanced two-piece composite bats on the market, and it features a launch composite barrel that pushes the limits of performance while providing a massive sweet spot.

Additionally, the ISO connection technology delivers the perfect combination of stiffness and flex to give USA Baseball athletes the best feeling of two-piece contact.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, the DFS carbon handle is built from 90% carbon fiber for extra stiffness and a more solid feel at contact. Easton’s Power Boost Soft Knob technology even provides more power potential and leverage while eliminating nearly all vibration for more comfort.

So if you’re looking for the best baseball bat for your little leaguer, be sure to check out the Easton ADV 360 USA Baseball Bat.

Rawlings 5150 USA Bat: Budget Pick

If you’re looking for a more affordable USA-certified bat for little league, then the Rawlings 5150 -10 is a great option.

Rawlings 5150 USA Bat

It features a 2 5/8 inch barrel diameter, a drop 10 length-to-weight ratio, and is balanced to provide a smooth swing feel. Made of one-piece all-alloy construction, this bat is built to last.

And with an ultra-light end cap, it helps you swing it faster too. So if you’re looking for an affordable bat that meets all the requirements for little league play, then the Rawlings 5150 -10 USA Baseball Bat is definitely worth checking out.

USSSA Bats

USSSA bats are mainly used in little league travel and tournament ball. As Little League Baseball begins to implement stricter bat regulations, the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) has also announced new guidelines for bat usage in youth divisions.

In USSSA divisions 14U and younger, all bats must be stamped with the official USSSA 1.15 BPF mark or certified as BBCOR .50. These stamps indicate that the bat meets performance standards set by USSSA.

Additionally, bats used in 13U must have a maximum drop weight of -8, while 14U players can only use bats with a maximum drop weight of -5.

By enforcing these regulations, USSSA hopes to create a safer and more fair playing environment for young athletes. So be sure to check your player’s bat before their next season. Having an illegal bat could result in penalties for both the player and the team.

Marucci CAT9 Composite USSSA Bat: Top Senior Pick

The Marucci CAT9 Composite is a top-rated baseball bat that is made with composite materials for a responsive barrel.  This bat is approved for use in USSSA tournaments and offers a comfortable grip with the sting-free comfort knob.

Marucci CAT9 Composite USSSA Bat

The barrel diameter of 2 3/4 inches allows for a larger hitting surface, which gives you more contact and power. The length-to-weight ratio of 5 means that the bat is slightly end-loaded, which gives you more power at the plate.

The all-composite construction makes the bat incredibly responsive, so you can make contact with ease. The USSSA 1.15 stamp means that the bat is approved for use in USSSA tournaments, so you can feel confident using it in any game.

The MDX composite material creates an ultra-responsive barrel, so you can hit the ball with more power. The outer-locking system reduces vibration, so you can stay comfortable at the plate longer. And finally, the sting-free comfort knob ensures a comfortable grip and eliminates any pain from mishits.

Louisville Slugger Meta USSSA Bat: Top Youth Pick

If you’re in the market for a quality youth USSSA bat, then the Louisville Slugger Meta Baseball Bat is definitely worth taking a look at.

Louisville Slugger Meta USSSA Bat

This three-piece, all-composite bat is made with Slugger’s high-quality EKO Composite material, which allows for a long barrel length while also remaining lightweight and balanced.

In addition, the VCX2 connector piece helps to limit vibration while also working with the EKO composite material to create an explosive feel at contact. The GT1 end cap also maximizes barrel length and swing speed.

And finally, the LS Pro Comfort Grip exhibits the perfect mix of tack and cushion. So if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line youth USSSA bat, then be sure to check out the Louisville Slugger Meta Baseball Bat.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, our top-best baseball bats for the 2024 season. Do you agree with our choices? Do you own one of the bats selected? If you do end up purchasing one of the above choices, please write to us below and let us know what you think!

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