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When you go to buy a baseball bat, there are a lot of things to consider. You want to find the right one for your needs, and that's not always easy. In this post, we'll help you figure out what to look for so that you can make the best decision possible.

Choose the right bat for your age & height

Shopping for a baseball bat can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. However, there are a few key factors that you should keep in mind when choosing the right bat for your height. BBCOR bats are designed for high school and collegiate play, and they must meet certain size and weight guidelines. If you're a youth baseball player, you'll want to choose a youth bat that's the right length and weight for your age and size. Always consult a coach or experienced player before making your final purchase. With the right bat in hand, you'll be well on your way to hitting to the best of your capabilities.

Consider your batting style

When it comes to batting, there are two main types of hitters: power hitters and contact hitters. Power hitters are known for their ability to hit the ball hard and far, while contact hitters focus on making solid contact with the ball and moving it into gaps in the defense. Both styles have their strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to consider your own strengths and weaknesses before deciding which style is right for you.

Decide on the weight and length of the bat

Baseball bats come in a variety of sizes and weights, making it important for players to choose the bat that is right for them. The weight of the bat is an important consideration, as a heavier bat will provide more power while a lighter bat will be easier to swing. The length of the bat is also important, as a longer bat will provide more reach while a shorter bat will be more maneuverable. Players should also take into account their own strength and ability level when choosing a bat. A stronger player who can generate more power may prefer a heavier bat, while a weaker player may prefer a lighter bat. Ultimately, it is up to the individual player to decide on the weight and length of the bat that is right for them.

Shop around and compare prices

When it comes to choosing a baseball bat, it's important to shop around and compare prices. There are many different types of bats on the market, and the price can vary greatly depending on the quality and features of the bat. It's important to find a bat that fits your budget and needs. For example, if you're looking for a top-of-the-line bat, you'll likely have to pay more than you would for a basic model. However, the extra cost may be worth it if you're serious about your batting performance. On the other hand, if you're just starting out, you may not need all the bells and whistles that come with a higher-end bat. In general, it's best to try out several different bats before making a purchase. This will help you get a feel for what's available and allow you to find the bat that's right for you.

Make sure you get a good warranty

When you buy a baseball bat, it's important to make sure you get a good warranty. A warranty will protect you in case the bat breaks or is otherwise damaged. It's important to read the fine print of the warranty to make sure you understand what is covered and what isn't. In most cases, the warranty will cover damage caused by normal wear and tear. However, it's important to note that some warranties may not cover accidents or deliberate damage. Be sure to ask about the details of the warranty before you make your purchase.

Test out different bats before making a purchase

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2021 The Goods

Welcome to BatSmash.com’s 2020 DeMarini The Goods BBCOR baseball bat review, the #1 selection in this year’s 2020 Best High School BBCOR bat selection.

One of the hottest BBCOR bats on the market is the 2020 The Goods DeMarini baseball bat (2-piece). In this review, we will be looking at the characteristics of this two-piece constructed bat that has made it such a hot commodity in dugouts across the country.

2020 The Goods by DeMarini – (Grade: A)

We will take a look at how DeMarini built this hybrid bat and the type of expectations a hitter should have when standing at the plate. Continue reading to see why it earned an A grade and is a top choice for high school players.

We will once again look at certain attributes such as comfort, power, durability, and design in our effort to give you the best possible information to help with your baseball bat shopping.

Note: In this bat review, we are particularly referring to the two-piece and not the one-piece alloy Goods model.

NOTE: 2021 DeMarini The Goods (New Release)

2021 DeMarini The Goods Released Aug 2020

We are aware of the new 2021 model of DeMarini’s The Goods BBCOR baseball bat, but since we have not had the chance to fully test it out yet, we will have to keep you posted on our future review. Please stay tuned on BatSmash.com for that, and many more bat reviews coming soon!

Construction

The first thing to note when looking at the design of the 2020 DeMarini BBCOR The Goods model is its two-piece, composite handle with an alloy construction. The handle is made from special composite materials that eliminate sting and vibration upon making contact. The 2020 Goods also comes with a massive “x14” alloy barrel, ensuring the bat is properly end-loaded with maximum power and a giant sweet spot.

Finally, DeMarini included what they call a “stiff seismic end cap” at the top of the barrel, which allows for smooth energy transfer on contact. All of these structural components come together to make 2020 The Goods one of the more powerful BBCOR baseball bats on the market.

Comfort and Durability

If there is one aspect of the 2020 DeMarini The Goods bat that might be a drawback for some, it would be how the bat feels and swings. This BBCOR baseball bat is specifically designed for power hitters rather than contact hitters with its stiff handle and x14 alloy barrel.

If you are a player that is familiar with an end-loaded swing weight, aluminum barrel, and swing for the fences, you probably will not find a better fit on the bat market. However, specialty or contact hitters will probably want to look elsewhere. They may find “The Goods” to lack the bat speed and balanced feel that fits the contact hitter profile.

It is crucial to know before purchasing that this is a bat designed for huge pop and power, with premium swinging comfort being a secondary concern.

A sleek new tan/brown color for the 2021 model

Power

Because of the seismic end cap, top-heavy swing weight, and massive “x14” alloy barrel on this BBCOR baseball bat, there is plenty of power to go around and was deemed our top power bat in our yearly bat awards.

Many of the reviews online noted that 2020 The Goods is a bat that is built for “hitting bombs” and using it more and more will only serve to give the hitter better mental confidence in their power. The stiff end cap is another favorite aspect of the bat in many reviewers’ feedback, because it allows for a substantial, yet comfortable “trampoline effect” when making good contact. This means the ball jumps off of the sweet spot of the bat in a hugely satisfying and forceful way.

DeMarini has made it a top priority to maximize the power potential in every hitter who picks up the 2020 The Goods baseball bat.

Cons of the Demarini 2020 The Goods BBCOR Baseball Bat

As always, we at BatSmash.com pride ourselves on being completely transparent in our baseball bat reviews, so we have once again decided to include a few possible drawbacks regarding this bat.

One drawback that may indicate this bat is not for you is simply that the barrel is completely aluminum, making the swinging experience a little heavier and end loaded. Batters that are more used to using composite bats, or even lighter alloy bats, may find this model to be a little too on the heavy side.

A fully composite BBCOR baseball bat, such as the Rawlings Quatro Pro, will offer a completely different experience regarding things like bat speed, durability, and swing weight. It is important to know that with the purchase of the DeMarini 2020 The Goods, you are signing up for huge power potential while possibly sacrificing bat control.

We want you to be aware of these possible issues beforehand so that you’ll be fully informed when it comes to pulling the trigger and purchasing “The Goods” over other high-end BBCOR bats.

Conclusion

Grade: A

When looking at the market for BBCOR Alloy bats, there are few that can match the power and the confidence that comes with that, then with this model. DeMarini has once again proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the BBCOR sports world, and with this model, they put all of their energy into literally giving the hitter the biggest bang for their buck.

The 2020 The Goods is the perfect choice for power hitters looking to hone their bat skills, but it can also be a great choice for those looking to add more pop and maximize energy transfer on contact.

While the two-piece, end loaded design may take some getting used to, you will get plenty of results. We do not see many other BBCOR bats on the market right now that can compete with this model’s sheer potential for hard and powerful hitting.

DeMarini’s 2020 The Goods may not be the best bat for every hitter, but if you are a hitter looking to hit bombs that leave the ballpark, this is the model for you. The Voodoo One would be our choice from DeMarini for a balanced swing.

If you are looking for a balanced or one-piece bat, we invite you to read our Best BBCOR Bat Reviews.

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Credit: Dicks Sporting Goods

One of the hottest 2020 BBCOR baseball bats on the market right now is the 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR bat. In this review, we will be looking at the characteristics of this three-piece design composite bat that has garnered it such a pristine reputation.

(Important note: our review will be focusing only on the 30″, 31″, 32″, and 34″ model, as the 33″ model has been banned in college and high school play).

We will take a look at how Louisville Slugger constructed the bat using scientific ideas and top of the line materials. We will also look at certain attributes such as comfort, power, durability, and design in our effort to give you the best possible information to help with your baseball bat shopping.

Much Like Louisville Slugger’s other bats such as the Meta Prime and Meta PWR, this is a baseball bat that lives up to its sturdy reputation, and may even be the best of the Meta BBCOR models.

Construction

How a bat is built is extremely important when trying to determine its durability and lifespan. Louisville Slugger utilized what they call a 3FX connection system when constructing this BBCOR baseball bat, making all three pieces feel as if they are one whole piece. They also implemented a stiff handle that does not bend, reducing vibration and providing maximum comfort for every hitter.

The “premium pro comfort grip” is another element of the baseball bat that provides tack and cushion when making contact. Finally, the Slugger Meta bat 2020 is constructed with an RTX end cap that secures the barrel steadily in place and ensuring its durability. All of these structural components come together to make the 2020 Slugger Meta the amazing bat it is.

Check the latest price

Comfort and Durability

One of the first things that hitters notice when picking up the 2020 Slugger Meta is its incredible light-weight swing weight. This can be deceiving because the composite barrel of this baseball bat is still very large with an unmistakable sweet spot, but the swing weight will feel smooth. One online reviewer even said the weightless feel of the bat is almost “not fair”. While this is humorous, it does give an indication of the scientific approach Louisville Slugger used in manufacturing this model. All of this combined with the aforementioned pro comfort grip shows us that Louisville Slugger put supreme emphasis on comfort when designing this bat, and it is paying off with many high school players.

Have you checked out our other smashing bat reviews?

Home

Best BBCOR Bats (2020-2021)

Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR Bat [2020 Review]

Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat [Review]

Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR Bat Review [2020]

2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR Bat Review

Power

Because of the lightweight design of the 2020 Meta, there have been some concerns about whether the bat is more ideal for contact hitters rather than power hitters. Fortunately, you can breathe a sigh of relief, because this bat is a wonderful choice for both types of hitters. Slugger notes that the RTX end cap design brings its barrel the unique components that help consistent content while maximizing batted-ball distance.

RTX end cap

Many reviews online note that the bat has a great “trampoline effect” when making contact: this means the ball jumps off of the sweet spot of the bat in a hugely satisfying and powerful way. Other users have noted the huge barrel with a sweet spot that sees a ton of action and pop, even if the bat may feel less end-loaded than other power baseball bats.

Check latest 2020 Meta price

Cons of the Louisville Slugger BBCOR Meta

At Batsmash, we pride ourselves on being completely transparent in our baseball bat reviews, so we have decided to include a few possible drawbacks regarding this bat. The first drawback that may indicate this bat is not for you is simply that it is a Composite model and not Aluminum. Composites must be broken in, and this process may take some time and patience.

A composite will also feel much different to a hitter that has only used Aluminum models growing up. However, it is worth getting familiar with all different kinds of models to fully understand which baseball bat is right for you, and this would be a perfect place to start with composites.

Another element to be aware of is that if you are a full-blown power hitter, you may want a bat that is simply more end-loaded to match your style of play. While the 2020 Meta certainly packs a lot of punch, its light-weight feel may throw pure power hitters off of their game.

Other than these possible issues, we have very little complaints with the 2020 Slugger Meta and find it to be one of the best baseball bats on the market.

Conclusion

Click image to see price

When looking at the market for BBCOR Composite bats, there are few bats that even come close to what this one can offer a high school hitter. In this 2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR review, we have concluded that this is a rare kind of baseball bat that suits both contact and power hitters equally well.

The lightweight and durability of this model will give the hitter tremendous bat speed at the plate. The power that comes with a bat of this swing weight is rare. What should feel end-loaded and heavy in the barrel, feels balanced and lightning-fast, while offering huge pop at the same time. No matter what kind of hitter you are shopping for, the Meta BBCOR is one of the bats on the market and will make any hitter happy.

SmashScore: A-

Home

Best BBCOR Bats (2020-2021)

Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR Bat [2020 Review]

Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat [Review]

Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR Bat Review [2020]

2020 Louisville Slugger Meta BBCOR Bat Review

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Easton rules in the composite wood bats space. In light of their success in the aluminum bat market, they unsurprisingly have some of the top wood bats for youth and high school players.

In this Easton Wood Bats Review post, we would discuss 5 best selling Easton wood baseball bats and make some recommendations as to why these wood bats are fit for you according to batting style. 

Newly redesigned Easton wood bats are now among the best wood baseball bats available for youth. The company has upgraded its wood materials and construction to make sure the best ash and maple wood bats are hitting the baseball fields and your hands in 2020.

Looking for the best BBCOR bats?

Where To Buy Easton Wood Bats

Easton Wood Bats are easily available to purchase at several major stores. By the way, we often check Amazon because it has the largest selection and number of sellers which offer a low price for wooden bats. However, you can also check other stores like eBay, Shopify, or the brand website directly to buy an Easton wood baseball bat.

2020 Easton Wood Bat Reviews

Easton makes three models of traditional wood baseball bats. They have designed the most popular 110 and 271 maple wood baseball bats. 

They also boast a big-barrel wood bat model in the EASTON Pro 243 Maple wood baseball Bat.  This composite wood bat has a lengthy barrel which stands out as a powerful composite model for youth hitters.

Further, their youth wood baseball bat models, the Mako -9 Maple and the S1 Hybrid Bamboo/Maple wrap up our best wood bat reviews.

Continue reading to read features, customer reviews, FAQ, and much more.

Pro 243 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

Easton designs a pure maple wood bat in a very traditional 243 turn model. It means for the power batters who need like the large barrel is available in stock size wooden bats. The handle of the bat keeps the thin feel that comes with wood bats. 243 pattern features a long sweet spot and end-loaded feel provides the hitters more power.

The medium handle size creates a bat whip to get hitters through the zone. 243 Maple Wood Baseball Bat provides more exit velocity and long-lasting durability. The bat comes in both a maple version and an Ash version. However, the strong hitters tend to prefer maple over Ash.

Pro Maple Composite 110 Wood Bat

The players who are new to wood bats would like the balance associated with 110 turn model. This comes with the thin handle and long taper which allows the swing weight to remain down. At Easton, several versions of this exact turn 110 series are available including ash and maple alongside the composite model of 110.

This model is a perfect batting practice bat for youth players. No doubt, they offer it in a lot of sizes to facilitate players and it is a very popular turn. The barrel is of 15/16″ that is game-ready for youth players who are looking to drive the ball.

Pro 271 Maple Wood Baseball Bat

271 Maple Wood Bat is featured with a 271 turn model which is popular among baseball players. A cupped end helps you to swing the bat easily. The bat is perfect for contact hitters who want light swing weight. A medium handle, the tapered medium barrel, and a traditional knob provide a balanced swing and a traditional wooden bat feel.

It also features an MLB standard ink dot. Easton Pro 271 Maple Wood Baseball Bat offers a greater exit velocity and increased durability. The main advantage of this bat is that it has less price and affordable for everyone. Experience the wonderful feeling of baseball bats wood and buy with free shipping country-wide.

Mako -9 Maple Youth Wood Baseball Bat

EASTON Mako -9 Maple Youth Wood Baseball Bat uses rock-hard maple – well-known for generating greater exit velocity and durability. The pro-balanced structure is built to play like the Mako youth bat for an easy transition to the Easton mako wood bat for young players.  The Mako -9 Maple Youth Bat has 7/8″ handle with a leather knob label, a laser barrel with cupped end complete the amazing look and wonderful feel.

The bat has an approximate weight drop of -7 and -10. You will find that managing the weight differences b/w one bat and another in the wood space is more difficult as grain structure & weight is harder to manage. The price of this bat is lower than other wooden models.

S1 Hybrid Maple/Bamboo Wood Baseball Bat

As you can see, this hybrid wood bat is not a full bamboo. It is a mixture of bamboo and maple. The bamboo makes up the core of the bat, so you get the tensile strength that exceeds that of even steel in the very center of your bat.

S1 Hybrid Maple/Bamboo is one of the best Easton wood baseball bats that comes with a pro-balanced speed structure which makes its performance better than the S1 BBCOR Bat. Moreover, the cupped end cap makes swing weight much lighter.

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The Project 3 ADV from Easton

A top BBCOR composite model for the 2020 season is the Easton Project 3 ADV -3. These two-piece baseball bats became hugely popular not only for its sleek and light design, but because it shows results on the stat sheet.

While high school baseball players are probably more familiar with the experience of using aluminum BBCOR baseball bats, there are definitely composites out there that may be a better fit. However, the transition to a composite can sometimes be difficult. A composite will have a different feel and most likely a short breaking-in period, but there are models on the market that are quite literally changing the game.

In this Easton Project 3 bat review, we break down the baseball bat into three main categories that we find of optimal importance: durability and comfort, power, and performance. With these categories carefully dissected, it is our hope that we give you all of the information you need to make the right purchase.

Durability and Comfort

2019 Project 3 ADV | 2-piece composite with a balanced swing weight

One of the notable aspects of Project 3 ADV bats is the new barrel design, providing comfort and best-in-class feel. They promise a max barrel performance right out of the wrapper, highlighting the bat’s “optimized balance point”.

Another feature related to this is a new boost knob design that reduces uncomfortable vibrations when making contact. This feature has been noted by many happy owners of the bat in their reviews online, agreeing the baseball bat has little-to-no vibration with plenty of rebound energy. Its end cap, or rather ‘speed cap’, is noted to have a more responsive barrel with a natural, sweet sound.

It also comes with a sleek lizard skin grip, providing a satisfying feel and tack. If durability and comfort is important to you, this baseball bat will suit your needs wonderfully.

Power 

This two-piece composite is certainly not lacking in the power department. The bat features the patent-pending “soft knob”, providing hitters with leverage and more potential for big pop. Along with this, many reviewers on the internet note the model’s light yet end-loaded swing weight, ensuring bat control and increasing the chances for power and pop.

The lightweight design of the Project 3 also improves a hitter’s swing speed, so when the barrel connects the hitter has an ideal balance point of power and speed. Because of these features, the Project 3 ADV would be a great choice for a contact hitter that is ready to step up to the plate with power hitters.

Performance

While doing research for our Project 3 ADV review, we used a combination of our own research as well as user reviews online to see how owners are responding to the product. The reception of Project 3 bats seem to be overwhelmingly positive in the BBCOR community, with many agreeing it is the best youth Composite bat on the market today. The responses that stood out in particular among the bat’s owners are it’s satisfying light and top-heavy 2-piece construction. The design lends the hitter an extremely comfortable and balanced swing, without losing ultimate pop potential in the sweet spot of the barrel.

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Project 3 ADV BBCOR Bat Final Thoughts

With these three main categories in mind, it is no secret as to why it has become one of the most acclaimed composite BBCOR bats in 2020. With its sleek red and black design and undeniable performance in the batter’s box, the Easton Project 3 will soon become the talk of the dugout. Some online reviewers went as far to say that a player’s teammates would constantly be asking to borrow the bat when it is their turn to get in the batter’s box! 

The Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR baseball bat has met all of our own criteria and we also have seen more than enough praise on the internet to confidently recommend this product to you. If you are a player that has grown up with aluminum bats and have not tried a composite, this model would be the perfect introduction. The durability, power, and performance will be sure to leave you satisfied and a more confident hitter at the plate. Great for both contact hitters and a power hitter – but is it the best bat of 2020?

BatSmash Grade: A

See our full array of 2020 BBCOR Bat reviews:

Home

Best BBCOR Bats (2020-2021)

Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR Bat [2020 Review]

Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Baseball Bat [Review]

Easton Project 3 ADV BBCOR Bat Review [2020]

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Robert Hassell III, selected 8 overall by the San Diego Padres | Source: MLB.com

2020 was certainly an interesting year for the MLB draft to take place. While scouts had a few months in spring to study top prospects, they also had to rely on earlier player performances from seasons prior, once the COVID-19 virus hit the world.

In addition to that, it was announced in May that the draft will be reduced from 40 rounds to just 5. While boosting opportunity for some it was a big damper on the big league hopes of young stars nationwide.

With all of that being said, the show must go on. The draft went off without a hitch, and we are here to look at which teams were able to draft prospects that may have flown under the radar, but will soon be on our televisions playing in big league games.

Looking at it from a distance, this year’s draft may seem by-the-numbers, especially with top prospect Spencer Torkelson unsurprisingly going #1 to the Detroit Tigers.

Top 5 Notable Value Picks [a 2020 MLB Draft Review]

Here are five teams that got away with a steal, as well as one bonus team who took home the surprise of the MLB draft, according to us here at Batsmash.com!

Tyler Soderstrom – Pick 26 (Athletics)

Catcher | Turlock High School

Tyler Soderstrom is a standout player from the Central Valley of California – playing ball at Turlock High School. As one of a handful of high school players that were selected in the first round of this year’s draft, Soderstrom stands out among the pack.

While he is drafted to be a catcher, his athleticism has allowed him to play in the outfield and even 3rd base. He also is noted for his advanced bat skill with big pop when he makes contact.

Soderstrom has committed to playing college ball at UCLA, one of the premiere baseball programs in the NCAA. This should only help improve his already impressive skill set. 

Bryce Jarvis – Pick 18 (Diamondbacks)

RHP | Duke

Bryce James was a solid pick for the Diamondbacks because of his newly improved fastball (runs from 92-96 mph deep into starts) as well as his 4-pitch arsenal which is sure to keep opposing batters guessing.

Recommended read: Composite vs. Aluminum Bats

Just last year he was said to have put on 20 pounds of weight, adding velocity to his already dangerous fastball. While the spring was cut short, he showed great ability and improved control as he continued to improve his craft. 

Austin Martin – Pick 5 (Blue Jays)

OF/3B | Vanderbilt

It was a bit of a surprise that Martin was selected at 5 in the draft, as most draft boards had him being selected in the top 3, and for good reason. He has been called the best “pure hitter” in the draft, utilizing a lightning-fast swing that usually leads to hard contact.

Next, he is confident at the plate and is great at controlling the strike zone and using the entire field when collecting hits. With his advanced speed and experience excelling at many positions, the Blue Jays should be more than satisfied with their first-round pick.

Garrett Mitchell – Pick 20 (Brewers)

OF | UCLA

The Brewers were lucky to have Garrett Mitchell still on the board at pick 20, and wasted no time selecting their guy. With an inconsistent swing coming out of high school, Mitchell spent his time at UCLA perfecting it and hitting consistently in 2019 and 2020.

At 6’3” tall and sporting a strong frame, he has shown he is capable of huge power at the plate. He is also extremely fast and covers a lot of ground, making center field a logical landing spot. Mitchell is an especially inspiring player because he is a type 1 diabetic, but he has shown time and time again that this diagnosis does not hinder his game-changing talent and grit.

Jared Kelley – Pick 47 (White Sox)

RHP | Refugio High School

Jared Kelley is another high school prospect that made our list. He entered 2020 as the top high school prospect in the nation according to a large number of scouts. Kelley has a fastball that can reach speeds up to 98 mph, while also using an advanced change-up with fade and sink to keep hitters off-balance.

Looking for a baseball bat? We put the hard work in and found the best BBCOR bats here!

Before the draft, Kelley was projected to be chosen in the mid-1st round, but he fell into the 2nd round. The White Sox could not pass up the opportunity to pick a pitcher that they have said they view as a future top-of-rotation player.

Biggest Surprise 2020 MLB Draft: Heston Kjerstad – Pick 2 (Orioles)

OF | Arkansas

Kjerstad was an unlikely choice for the Orioles at the number 2 position in the draft, with many experts thinking he would be chosen later in the top 10. However, when looking more closely at his time at Arkansas, you can see why Baltimore fell in love with him.

In his Freshman year, Kjerstad broke Arkansas’ Freshman home run record with 14 and followed that up with 17 home runs in his Sophomore season. While his 2020 Junior season was cut short by the pandemic, he was putting up his best numbers yet.

The possible downsides to his game are his strikeout numbers due to being aggressive at the plate, as well as average speed for his position. Time will tell if the Orioles surprise number 2 pick will pay off, but there is certainly compelling evidence he will be a formidable pro for years to come.

Thank you for reading our MLB 2020 Draft review – if you enjoyed, please share on social media. Who was your favorite steal of this year’s draft?

Recommended reads:

Best BBCOR Bats (2020-2021)

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Aluminum bats for power hitters / Composite bats for contact hitters which bat is best for me?

Ever since youth baseball has moved on from wooden bats, there have been ongoing innovations in the bat a player chooses to use. The most common youth and BBCOR bat models are aluminum (alloy) and composite bats. 

Both types offer a different variety of pros and cons, as well as a fluctuating price range. Both aluminum and composite bats can provide a rewarding experience depending on the type of hitter one is. While the performance is similar, the features differ greatly.

When you’re looking for the best baseball bat, first follow this composite vs. aluminum bat guide to pick the right model for you. 

What is an Aluminum Baseball Bat?

Marucci’s Cat aluminum BBCOR bat series

Aluminum baseball bats, also referred to as alloy bats, first came around as a substitute for wooden bats. They provided higher performance and durability compared to a wood bat.

They offered a different swinging experience to wooden models, improved bat speed, and provided substantial pop. Alloy bats are used almost exclusively in little league, competitive youth baseball, high school, and collegiate leagues. Minor and major leagues still use wooden bat models made of ash, bamboo, and hickory.

Aluminum bats are still a popular metal bat choice today, despite more advanced technologies introduced by carbon fiber composites.

Aluminum Bat Features: 

There are two different types: single-walled and double-walled barrels. Instead of the crack of the wooden bat, aluminum bats give off a distinct “ping” sound upon contact. Soon after their introduction into youth baseball, aluminum bats quickly overtook wood bats in popularity for their durability, more comfortable grip, and quicker bat speed. An alloy barrel

Aluminum alloy bats commonly have an end-loaded swing weight and one-piece construction. These can feel heavier and not as balanced as their composite counterparts. This makes an aluminum bat a great choice for a power hitter. A one-piece alloy barrel’s slower movement through the zone upon contact makes the ball go a long, long way.

Cost and Value:

Aluminum alloy bats are made with a variety of different metals, each with distinct traits such as the density of the alloy and length of the bat. One can assume the more expensive the bat, the higher quality it is, even if this is not always true. When buying an aluminum bat, you may notice cheaper models losing durability and value over a shorter time than a market value bat. Nonetheless, aluminum bats are often more affordable than composites with similar upside.

What is a Composite Baseball Bat?

A youth baseball composite bat from Easton, the GHOST X

A composite baseball bat is made out of reinforced carbon fiber polymer materials, providing a bat with less density and considerably bigger pop in most cases than an alloy bat. Similar to aluminum bats, composites are created using a wide variety of different carbon fiber materials, each offering a unique component to make up the durable barrel and large sweet spot.

A notable difference in this type of bat is the trampoline effect, or when the ball “jumps” off the bat after contact. When the barrel material is softer, the ball will leave the bat faster (due to the baseball retaining the energy from the pitcher). A composite bat material can be manipulated to be softer to create a higher trampoline effect than an aluminum alloy or wood bat.

Because composite models are lighter in weight than alloy, resulting in faster bat speed and a higher percentage of “squared up” balls. Further, composite bats help to reduce the sting that players experience with aluminum and wood bats. If you hit it off the end-cap or handle of the bat, it is less likely to hurt your hands.

Composite Bat Features:

Due to the carbon fiber makeup of composite bats, there will be no “ping” noise when contact is made with the baseball. The sound mimics more of a wood bat but performance far exceeds with its larger sweet spot and premium materials. They are made in both one and two-piece construction.

The swing weight, or how heavy the bat feels when swinging, can be changed quite easily in composite bats. Often times composite models have a balanced (rather than end-loaded) swing weight. This makes it friendly for contact hitters looking for a high batting average and on-base percentage. Due to this weight distribution, composite bats can feel lighter than wood and alloy bats.

A feature of composite baseball bats is a ‘break-in period’. After around 300-500 hits with a new composite bat, a batter will begin to see its full potential for power and trampoline effect. If the batter is not used to the weight distribution and feel of composites, the ‘breaking in’ sessions should help batter comfort levels.

Composite baseball and softball bats are also known to react to specific temperatures, sometimes resulting in decreased performance in colder climates. 

Cost and Value:

Composite bats are usually more expensive than aluminum models because of their extraordinarily lightweight frame and massive pop that comes with it. The value of a composite bat may vary, though, as the buyer must take into account the “breaking in period,” as well as colder weather, which may lead to cracks or dents. It is probably more important to pay close to market value for a composite than aluminum, because of these possible drawbacks. 

Aluminum vs. Composite BBCOR bats

A hybrid bat model from 2020 by DeMarini – “The Goods”

One of the most attractive characteristics for high school players in BBCOR bats is “pop,” or the raw exit velocity or power when making solid contact on the bat’s sweet spot. It is widely agreed that composite bats have a slightly better pop than their alloy counterparts. Also, because of the carbon fiber materials, the vibration control when making contact with the ball makes hitting a ball off the end or handle more forgiving.

Top bat makers like Easton, DeMarini, Marucci, and Louisville Slugger have increased their composite bat production over the years as more players reach for more composite and hybrid models. Composite bats tend to fit a balanced hitter profile (singles and extra-base hits) while aluminum BBCOR’s are trending upwards for power hitters.

Check out some of our favorite BBCOR bat reviews:

Aluminum model: Marucci Posey28 (2020)

Composite model: Rawlings Pro Metal (2020)

However, aluminum baseball bats are known to have better grip and control while also being more durable. You will not have to worry about such factors as cold weather with an aluminum bat, making storage and transportation easier. There is also no “breaking in” period with alloy models.

It is safe to say an aluminum bat would be our choice for a hitter that values consistency and durability, with more potential to last longer. 

Hybrid Bats

As metal bat construction has progressed, hybrid bats have risen in popularity. A hybrid baseball bat features both composite and aluminum materials, such as a composite handle and an alloy barrel. This is also referred to as a two-piece bat when it is made out of two different materials.

A hybrid bat construction can be an advantage when utilizing positive qualities of composite and aluminum material while minimizing the downsides of each.

Composite vs Aluminum Bats Conclusion

When looking to buy a baseball or softball bat, it is critical to understand the performance differences in composite bats vs. aluminum bats. While both types of bats have pros and cons, the choice will come down to what kind of hitter it is to maximize potential. 

A hitter that values big pop and comfort when it comes to vibration will most likely excel with a composite. However, a hitter that values bat speed and durability, while not having to deal with the risks of weather degradation, should choose an aluminum model. Aluminum bats will generally be cheaper than their composite counterparts, making it an excellent choice for players on a budget.

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The Posey28 Model is also customizable with you name, number and more

Thank you for reading another smashing good bbcor bat review from BatSmash.com. Today, we will be reviewing Marucci Sports‘ special bat model, the Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR Bat.

The Posey28 BBCOR combines the pop of the high-strength AZ105 alloy with the look of Marucci partner Buster Posey’s in-game wooden model.

For clarity, it IS a metal bat, despite looking look a wood one! Continue reading for our full review.

Bat Overview: POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR by Marucci

The Marucci Posey28 BBCOR Bat combines the pop of the high-strength AZ105 alloy with the look of Marucci partner Buster Posey’s in-game model.

The maple wood grain cosmetic is the only “wood” about this one-piece aluminum bbcor bat which gives an explosive performance with an extended barrel and more responsive sweet spot.

The multivariable wall design generates an expanded sweet spot and thinner barrel walls. This design and material help to produce more solid contact, even if hit off of the end or the handle of the bat.

If you are looking for a composite model, check out our Rawlings 2020 Quatro Pro BBCOR Review.

Bat Features

A bat designed after Buster Posey’s game model – a slick wood finish with all the power that aluminum BBCOR bats can bring.

BBCOR certified (.50) and approved for High School Baseball Bat and collegiate.

-3 length-to-weight ratio fitting in nicely with the other model -3 Marucci Bats.

A wide barrel with a diameter of 2 5/8” with a large sweet spot.

2nd Generation AV2 anti-vibration knob features are available in the Marucci Posey 28 BBCOR.

An upgraded harmonic dampening system is comprised of the bat for better feel and less negative vibrational feedback.

The Posey28 BBCOR is constructed with AZ105 Alloy. The strongest material layer on the market is coated on this Aluminum baseball bat.

A warranty of 12 months after manufacturing makes it more reliable for players.

The micro-perforated soft-touch grip with an extra tack increases feels & control over this Balanced bat.

An extended sweet spot is created due to the multi-variable wall design, meaning more line drives

The smoke black color gives POSEY28 Pro Metal baseball bat a clean, fresh finish.

An upgraded Alloy creates thinner barrel walls, better durability, and a higher response rate.

Moreover, its one-piece alloy design gives a clear, compatible, and conservative swing allowing for consistent contact.

The precision-balanced barrels of from this Marucci BBCOR bat results in a lower M.O.I and balanced feel for control and precision.

The handle of bat comprises removable taper and ergonomic knob shape makes it one of the Best BBCOR bats of 2020.

Its ring-free barrel allows you to handle the bat confidently and increases the performance with no dead spots.

POSEY28 BBCOR Bat Specifications

Barrel Diameter2 5/8”Bat ConstructionOne-pieceLength to Weight Ratio-3MaterialAluminumSwing WeightBalancedBat VersionBBCOR

Maruicci also offers a drop weight of -5, -10, and -12 in the POSEY28 as well as a wooden bat version.

Closer Review: Marucci Posey28 BBCOR Bat

A notable feature of the Marucci Posey28 bat is the anti-vibration knob they have been patented. In addition, it has a harmonic dampening silicone type piece that fits in the knob and extends partly through the handle of the bat. If a ball is mishit and vibrates through the bat and then the knob absorbs all the vibrations before your hands do.

Technology like this is not just a pseudo-science. Marucci has real data that is not needed to prove and it really does work. -3 Marucci bats by Marucci has years of feedback and thousands of hitters that can guarantee to it working as well.

The Posey 28 BBCOR model also uses variable wall thickness in the barrel. That’s, if you cut the bat in half you would notice that the Aluminum in the barrel is not the same as you go down of the barrel. This thickness level permits the engineers to tune the barrel’s performance at different parts of this 2020 model.

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Benefits of the Pro Model Features

Using AZ105 alloy, Marucci manufactured this bat with a multi-variable wall design constructed of thinner barrel walls. It is simply that the thinner the walls, the faster the ball comes off the bat on contact. More, the design also enhances the sweet spot & more forgiving when the players make contact on the remainder of the barrel.

The ring-free manufacturing of bat means that there is no dead spot on the hitting surface, which is most beneficial for those players who focus on making contact. It has a second-generation AV2 anti-vibration knob to keep the sting out of the bat. For complete control in the batter’s box, it has a removable tape on the handle and a soft, comfortable grip.

Bat Sizing Options

In this Marucci Posey bat review, we provide you with all bat sizing options to help you choose the right bat for you, even if you aren’t looking for the BBCOR version. This bat also comes in USSSA: drop 10, 8, and 5 and a junior big barrel edition of the bat.

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They have a 33.5” version in BBCOR — that is unique. Not unheard of, but it is unique nonetheless.

BBCOR | Drop 3 | 30, 31, 32, 33, 33.5, 34-inch

USSSA | Drop 10 | 27, 28, 29, 30, 31-inch

USSSA | Drop 8 | 28, 29, 30, 31, 32-inch

USSSA | Drop 5 | 30, 31, 32-inch

Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR Bat – Final Thoughts

The Marucci POSEY28 Pro Metal BBCOR has received excellent reviews online with recommendations from both contact and power hitters. With Marucci’s commitment to new technologies, we think this model is a great choice for high school and college players.

With the risk of offering recommendations in the general terms, we would like to suggest that any player who is able to find a Buster Posey Metal bat in their size will surely like it.

And, the bat has a wonderful sound and outstanding user feedback in terms of prices and performance in comparison to the other top models.

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