New Marucci Bat 2026: LSU and Miami Debut CAT X Reckless Ahead of College World Series

A New Era Begins: Marucci Unleashes the CAT X Reckless
Just weeks before the 2025 College World Series, Marucci has revealed its latest innovation: the CAT X Reckless, a 2026 model that's already in the hands of top college programs. LSU, Miami and Little Rock players were all seen using the new bat in the 2025 NCAA Baseball Regionals in Baton Rouge and Hattiesburg, which kicked off the first week of NCAA D1 Baseball playoffs. Curious about the new Marucci bat turning heads and making loud contact over the weekend? Let's take a look at what could be one of the most talked-about bats of the year.
What We Know About the Marucci CAT X Reckless
As of this article (June 6, 2025) the Marucci Cat X Reckless has not been publicly released to the public. It's official debut was made this weekend by a select few college teams in the Regional portion of the 2025 College Baseball playoffs. LSU, Miami and Little Rock are the three Marucci sponsored playoff teams that were seen using the bat. While official product details are still limited, early observations from players and coaches suggest several upgrades. Continue reading for the latest news about the new Marucci CAT X Reckless from our inside sources.
Here's what we know about the sweet new looking generation of Marucci bats:
- Model Year: 2026 BBCOR Drop 3 (pre-release)
- 2 Versions: 1 piece alloy version (matte blue and black gradient with red text). 2-piece connect model for more flex (matte green and black gradient with blue text)
- Barrel: Redesigned alloy barrel for improved balance and optimized sweet spot
- Handle: Expected continuation of the liquid-gel knob for reduced vibration and smoother feel
- Performance Notes: It's always tough to tell how a new bat will perform, but if LSU and Miami's performance in the regional round of the NCAA baseball playoffs was any indication, this bat has some pop.
Marucci has built its CAT series around feedback from elite players, and the CAT X Reckless appears to be the next iteration in that legacy. Pictured below is the latest publicly available bat in the CAT series: the Marucci Cat X2 Vice - another favorite seen being used by many College Baseball players in this year's College Baseball Playoffs.
Buy The 2025 Marucci Cat X2 Vice on Amazon
LSU and Miami Leading the Charge
Marucci was founded in Baton Rouge in 2004 by LSU's athletic trainer Jack Marucci, so it comes to no surprise that this college baseball powerhouse was the first to sample the goods. LSU, a seven-time College World Series Champion (the most recent in 2023), has once again positioned itself to make a deep post-season run. They have used Marucci bats since 2018 and used the world-renowned bats to slug their way to a victory over Little Rock, in a winner take all regional final.
Little Rock, another Marucci-sponsored program, made it's deepest playoff run in recent history was also seen swinging the new Marucci Cat X Reckless. You can watch Little Rock slugger Robinson Cano hit a homerun while the announcers on ESPN discuss the new Marucci bat on [youtube].(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAuBIRUIKUk&ab_channel=RMcElhaney)
Miami routed Hattiesburg regional host, top-seeded Southern Missouri with an offensive barrage. Multiple of their players were also seen debuting the Marucci Cat X Reckless. Both LSU and Miami will play in Super Regionals this weekend (June 6 - June 9th).
Strategic Timing Before the College World Series
Introducing the CAT X Reckless right before the College World Series gives Marucci maximum visibility at the most competitive stage in college baseball. It's also a real-time testing ground for high-level performance. Programs like LSU help validate whether the new model is ready for broader release.
If LSU makes a deep postseason run with the CAT X Reckless in their lineup, expect this bat to gain rapid attention among players, coaches, and gear enthusiasts heading into next season.
Marucci Cat X Reckless 2026 Expected Release Date
Although no official retail release date has been announced, Marucci typically launches new models in late fall or early winter. Based on that timeline, the CAT X Reckless will likely become available to the public in late 2025 or early 2026.
It is expected to launch in multiple certifications, including BBCOR and USSSA, depending on age group and league demand.
Final Thoughts
The New Marucci Bat CAT X Reckless 2026, is already making waves in the baseball community. With early field testing from elite college programs like LSU and Little Rock, it's already building credibility before it even hits shelves.
Whether you're a player preparing for next season or a coach looking to keep your team ahead of the curve, this is a bat to watch closely. As the College World Series unfolds, the CAT X Reckless may prove itself as more than just a prototype—it could be a championship-caliber weapon. Let's see how far it can take LSU in the college baseball playoffs for 2025.
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