The 2023 season’s BBCOR bat market is hotter than ever. Each of baseball’s biggest bat producers have released new models in the past year, all of which are making their mark in high school and collegiate baseball. With all of these great options available, you might be having a hard time deciding which bat to buy. No need to worry any longer -- we’ve highlighted five of the top BBCOR bats of 2023 here, with a breakdown of key features, materials, and anything else of note. To the list!
2023 Marucci CATX Composite
The 2023 Marucci CATX Composite comes with a two-piece fully composite construction, and a longer, mid-balanced barrel with a wider sweet spot to optimize performance. Its S-40 composite handle helps to transfer more energy faster from player to ball, while the outer-locking system dismisses virtually all vibrations on contact for the strongest, smoothest swing yet. This BBCOR CATX Composite is currently retailing for $499.95, but can be found for around $350 used on SidelineSwap.
Our Expert's Take:
The CATX Composite is the Marucci bat that everybody wants right now. It boasts insane balance, isn’t top heavy, feels extremely light in the hands, and slices through the strike zone with ease. Also of note is that many players report that the 2023 CATX Composite is ready to hit the field as soon as it’s taken out of the wrapper. So if you’re looking for a last minute bat before the season begins, the 2023 Marucci CATX Composite is a fantastic BBCOR option. I love the red colorway, as well.
2023 Louisville Slugger Meta
The 2023 Louisville Slugger Meta features a three-piece, fully composite design that pairs the handle and an EKO barrel with a stiff 3FX Connection System to dampen vibration while maximizing performance. In addition, the 2023 Meta’s GT1 End Cap maximizes barrel length and speed, delivering an extra power boost with every swing. It’s currently retailing for $499.95 in a BBCOR version, but scoop it for as low as $250 used on Sideline.
Our Expert's Take:
This 2023 Meta model has flying off shelves recently, and that doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. It’s said to feel extremely lightweight in the hands, and the End Cap combined with the EKO barrel does seem to add a little extra pop. This year’s Meta model is one of Louisville Slugger’s best offerings in recent memory—and while you can customize your Meta’s color, the teal green color is gorgeous.
2023 DeMarini Voodoo One
The DeMarini 2023 Voodoo One is a one-piece bat crafted with DeMarini’s signature X14 Alloy material, featuring a Refined Tracer End Cap and ultra-stiff composite materials that optimize barrel performance, along with a Reinforced Knob for a stiff feel. It’s currently retailing for $349.95 on the DeMarini website in a BBCOR version, although most sizes are out of stock -- luckily, a few have popped up on SidelineSwap.
Our Expert's Take:
The 2023 DeMarini Voodoo One has been experiencing extremely high demand as of late, and for good reason: it’s a lightweight, balanced, easy to swing bat that caters to contact-oriented hitters. The bat also comes in a gorgeous metallic gold color that makes it a personal favorite, based on looks alone. The 2023 DeMarini Voodoo One might be lightweight to swing, but it’s a heavyweight in the 2023 BBCOR market.
2023 Rawlings ICON
The 2023 Rawlings ICON is a two-piece bat that is made of a carbon composite material that maximizes barrel size while maintaining optimal stiffness. As a result, you get more trampoline off the bat. The ICON’s Zero-Loss collar and connection joint creates a smooth connection between handle and barrel to eliminate any drag or vibration. In addition, the balanced swing weight maximizes bat speed and plays to any type of offensive approach. The 2023 ICON is currently retailing for $499.95 on the Rawlings website in a BBCOR version.
Our Expert's Take:
Although Rawlings might be best known for their gloves, this 2023 ICON is one of the best BBCOR bats in the market. One bat seller even confided in me that this bat is “a freak of nature” in terms of swinging speed. Unfortunately, it’s aesthetic appeal isn’t great, which is largely why it hasn’t received much fanfare since its release. But if you’re looking for a workhorse bat that’s guaranteed to produce constant, high quality contact while you’re at the plate, this is it.
2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR
The 2023 Louisville Slugger Select PWR offers a three piece hybrid design, with a elongated EXD Premium Alloy barrel that boasts a bigger than average sweet spot. In addition, the design uses a 3FX-PWR Connection System to pair the robust alloy barrel with a stiff composite handle, resulting in unmatched comfort and exit velocities. This bat is currently retailing for $399.95 in a BBCOR version.
Our Expert's Take:
This bat is for power hitters, and power hitters only. The weight in this bat is distributed more toward the end of the barrel, so although it isn’t quite as balanced feeling as the Meta (or many other Louisville Slugger bats), the 2023 Select PWR more than makes up for it with its supreme pop. If you’re in the lineup to drive in runs, then this bat should be right up your alley.
Conclusion
And that concludes our list of the top BBCOR bats of 2023. Before I conclude, I’d be remiss to not mention that, in addition to these bats being of an extremely high-quality, they’re also among the expensive BBCOR options you’ll find. If you’re looking for cheaper options, one great place to search would be SidelineSwap. Happy shopping!