2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" USSSA Bat Review
The 2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" is a one-piece alloy USSSA bat (-5), aimed at travel-ball hitters. It's built around Marucci's Stronger alloy and AV2 Anti Vibration Knob.
Been on the market a while — keep an eye out for in-season price drops.
Check today's price →The Score
How we score ↗How big and forgiving the barrel is — based on barrel length, construction (one- vs two-piece, alloy vs composite), and how it plays on balls hit off the center. A primary driver of the overall score.
Raw exit velocity and distance. We use measured numbers from freely available independent testing when they exist; otherwise construction and consensus, judged against the certification’s performance ceiling. A primary driver of the overall score.
Comfort and feedback on contact — vibration dampening from the knob/connection, the sting of a stiff one-piece vs a smooth two-piece, and the sound off the barrel. A primary driver of the overall score.
How well it holds up and how the company stands behind it — documented cracking/denting reports, cold-weather behavior, and the brand’s real warranty record. Good to know, but weighted lightly in the score.
Our take on price-for-performance — the overall package weighed against its cost and what comparable bats run. Shown for context; it is NOT factored into the overall score (price changes too often and is personal).
Why this score: Preliminary score from the bat's construction, class, brand and price — an honest first pass we refine as we test more and any independent lab data appears.
Our Review
The 2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" is a one-piece alloy USSSA bat that swings balanced. It's built around Marucci's Stronger alloy and AV2 Anti Vibration Knob. That build suits hitters who want a stiff, ready-to-go feel with no break-in. It's in stock at CheapBats; our score is a first-pass read on its class and build that we sharpen as we log more swings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hot out of the wrapper — no break-in needed
- Durable single-/two-piece alloy build
- Closeout pricing — strong value while stock lasts
Cons
- Stiffer feel than a composite on mishits
Full Specifications
| Brand | Marucci |
|---|---|
| Model | CAT8 2 3/4" |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Certification | USSSA |
| Sport | Baseball |
| Construction | One-piece alloy |
| Model # | MSBC85 |
| Drop | -5 |
| Barrel | 2 3/4" |
| Swing Weight | Balanced |
| MSRP | $79.99 |
Where to Buy
2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" USSSA Bat — FAQ
Is the 2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" a good USSSA bat?
We rate it 8.0/10 (Grade A). The 2024 Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" is a one-piece alloy USSSA bat (-5), aimed at travel-ball hitters. It's built around Marucci's Stronger alloy and AV2 Anti Vibration Knob.
What drops does the CAT8 2 3/4" come in?
The 2024 CAT8 2 3/4" USSSA comes in -5.
Is the Marucci CAT8 2 3/4" USSSA-legal?
Yes — it's USSSA certified by the NTS lab. USSSA 1.15 BPF approved — the “hotter” travel-ball standard, legal for USSSA play.
How much does the 2024 CAT8 2 3/4" cost?
MSRP is $79.99. We list the lowest price across CheapBats and Amazon on this page.
New to buying bats? Read our bat sizing guide, certifications explained, or browse all guides.
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Sources: CheapBats — CLOSEOUT Marucci Cat 8 Youth Big Barrel Baseball Bat 2 3/4" -5oz MSBC85