MLB ‘WILL modify uniforms that have been ripped by players’ as union points the finger at Nike for problems… but changes may not come until next season!
Major League Baseball will reportedly change its Nike uniforms after widespread complaints about the new jerseys that were fully introduced this spring.
The Nike Vapor Premier uniform, first worn at last year’s All-Star Game, has been roundly criticized by players for its smaller lettering, see-through pants and inability to absorb sweat.
Now, as reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passanthe league will adjust its uniforms, although the changes may not take effect until the start of next season.
Citing a memo obtained from the MLB Players Association, Passan noted that the league will go back to larger fonts, fix “mismatched” gray jerseys and pants and address the jerseys’ sweat issues.
Interestingly enough, the MLBPA blamed Nike – not manufacturer Fanatics – for the uniform problems.
The new MLB jerseys have been criticized for their smaller litter, among other things
The jerseys have also been criticized for their inability to absorb sweat, as seen with the Yankees’ Carlos Rodon
Additionally, the pants have been proven to be see-through, as Shohei Ohtani shows above
“This was entirely a Nike issue,” the memo read. “What essentially happened here is that Nike innovated something that didn’t need to be innovated.”
Fanatics, which has been making MLB jerseys since 2017, has been heavily blamed for the missteps, but the memo says the company recognizes “the critical importance of soliciting player feedback, gaining player buy-in and not being afraid to make difficult decisions’. conversations about sweaters or trading cards.
“Our hope is that Nike will take a similar approach in the future.”
Several players made their distaste for the new jerseys public.
An unnamed player from the Baltimore Orioles said this Baltimore banner that they “look… like a TJ Maxx knockoff sweater.”
Meanwhile, Phillies shortstop Trea Turner told the AP“I know everyone hates them.”
Angels OF Taylor Ward described the feel as “papery” and it “doesn’t look like a $450 sweater”
And Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said “everyone hates” the new uniforms
And the Angels’ Taylor Ward told it The Athletics, ‘It looks like a replica. It feels a bit papery. It can be great when you sweat, it can be breathable.
‘But I haven’t had a chance to try that out yet. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like a $450 sweater. So far, thumbs down.”
The memo noted that the MLBPA “cautioned against” the various changes when they were initially proposed in 2022.
According to Passan, 2025 is “the latest” possible timeline for the jerseys.