The new MLB uniforms for the 2024 season have been met with criticism and frustration from many players, who have complained about the poor quality, the lack of customization, and the transparency of the pants. The MLB Players Association has expressed its concern and disappointment with the situation, and hopes to resolve the issue before the opening day.
New uniforms fail to impress players
The new MLB uniforms, which are Nike’s Vapor Premier uniforms manufactured by Fanatics, were supposed to improve mobility, moisture management, and fit for the players. However, many players have expressed disappointment with the look and feel of the “performance jerseys” and have raised concerns about supply-chain problems and potential see-through pants.
“A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see-through,” Major League Baseball Players Association executive director Tony Clark said. He added that he had visited various spring camps in Arizona, where he heard more complaints about the on-field attire. “It’s been an ongoing conversation where each day has yielded something new that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as you would like it.”
Transparency and supply issues
One of the main issues with the new uniforms is the transparency of the pants, which makes it easy to see the tucked in part of the jersey and the underwear of the players. Some players have resorted to wearing dark-colored undergarments to avoid exposing too much, while others have expressed discomfort and embarrassment with the situation.
“The universal concern is the pant,” Clark said. He also said that some players have not received enough pants to meet their roster needs, and that some pants have arrived with defects or damages. He said that the MLBPA has been in contact with MLB and the uniform providers to address these problems and ensure that the players have adequate and quality equipment.
Lack of customization and cheap look
Another issue with the new uniforms is the lack of customization and the cheap look. Many players have complained that the uniforms do not allow them to personalize their style, such as choosing their own sleeve length, collar type, or logo placement. They have also criticized the small lettering, the awkward fit, and the flimsy material of the uniforms.
“They look like practice jerseys,” one player said. “They don’t look like big league uniforms.”
Some players have also expressed their preference for the previous uniforms, which were made by Majestic Athletic and had more options and better quality. “I miss the old ones,” another player said. “They were more comfortable and more durable.”
MLB defends the new uniforms
Despite the overall distaste for the new uniforms, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has defended them, saying that they are innovative and popular. He said that he expects some negative feedback with any change, but he believes that the new uniforms will appeal to the fans and the younger generation.
“They’re going to be really popular,” Manfred said. He also said that the new uniforms are part of a long-term partnership with Nike and Fanatics, and that they will generate more revenue and exposure for the league.
However, Clark said that he is disappointed that the uniforms have become a topic of discussion, and that he hopes to resolve the issue as soon as possible. “It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where the uniforms are the topic of discussion,” he said. “Each conversation with the guys is yielding more information with what we’re seeing.”
