Best bats from MLB Player's Weekend: Jackson Merrill's lightsaber highlights top customized gear around league

Author Photo
Sarah Effress
• 3 min read
Jackson Merrill
(Getty Images)

MLB Players' Weekend has returned after a five-year hiatus, offering players the opportunity to showcase their personalities, favorite charities, and those who helped them reach the league.

One of the ways players are expressing themselves this weekend is through customized gear, like bats and cleats. From designs that support certain causes to quirky cartoon references, make sure to keep an eye on the lumber in the batters' box over the next few days — you may learn a thing or two about its owners.

Here are the best bats from MLB Players' Weekend so far, featuring Jackson Merrill and Bryce Harper among the most creative customized gear around the league.

MORE: MLB Players' Weekend, explained

Best bats from MLB Player's Weekend

Jackson Merrill

The force will be with Padres rookie outfielder Merrill this weekend as he touts a Star Wars-themed bat. The blue lightsaber is fit for a Jedi and even glows in the dark — hopefully, it will help Merrill continue San Diego's hot streak since the All-Star break.

Bryce Harper

Who knows whether Bryce Harper's kids knew their lovely drawings would be featured on his Players' Weekend bats, but either way, they came out pretty cute. One of them even has "Pops" scrawled by the bottom — a cool keepsake whether the bats end up tacking on some runs or not. 

Brandon Marsh

Let's hope Brandon Marsh gets hit by a pitch this weekend. No, not the living, breathing Marsh, but the self-portrait he has printed on his Players' Weekend bat. The Phillies' outfielder has none other than himself to blame if he doesn't swing well this weekend. 

Michael Harris II

Woody and Spidey would love Michael Harris II's gear, inspired by the two characters and their respective films. Which of the various Spider-Men his superhero bat is inspired by (Live action? Spider-verse?), we may never know.

Freddie Freeman

Freddie Freeman's son, Max, was recently diagnosed with a rare condition called Gullian-Barre syndrome, keeping the Dodgers star out of play until Max was able to recover. Now, Max is on his healing journey and Freeman is honoring him with wholesome #MaxStrong bats for Players' Weekend. 

Harrison Bader

Writing utensils are popular inspiration for Players' Weekend bats. Among the various No. 2 pencils fans may witness this weekend in the hands of their favorite players, Harrison Bader sticks out with a bright pink crayon. Okay, Barbie!

Bobby Witt Jr. 

Slugger Bobby Witt Jr. elected to showcase "Backyard Baseball" video game character Pablo Sanchez, featuring his signature backwards hat and crop top. Sanchez was known as the game's best player, so it's no wonder Witt Jr. wanted to channel his abilities this weekend.

Author(s)
Author Photo
Sarah Effress
Sarah Effress is an editorial intern for The Sporting News. She is a recent graduate of Northwestern University, and loves to talk soccer and women's college sports.
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