The players voiced their complaints, and the league listened.
On Friday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced in partnership with Nike, the league’s official uniform supplier, that changes to the new uniforms unveiled this season will be made for the 2025 season.
Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers celebrates at the plate with Max Muncy as he scores on a Freddie Freeman single in the third inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre April 26, 2024, in Toronto. (Cole Burston/Getty Images)
“Player and club feedback is extremely important to us,” Manfred said in a statement. “Together with Nike, we listened to our players and, as a result, we are addressing their concerns.”
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Complaints that surfaced during spring training included see-through pants and the overall quality of uniforms, which some players criticized as “cheap.” The New York Yankees made headlines in March when fans could see the players sweating through their uniforms.
The issue resurfaced last month when Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene split his pants while sliding to home plate in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Detroit Tigers’ Riley Greene (31) scores behind Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Joey Bart, right, on a single by Matt Vierling off relief pitcher Josh Fleming during the eighth inning of a game in Pittsburgh April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
TIGERS’ RILEY GREENE RIPS PANTS SLIDING INTO HOME, AND MLB UNIFORM CRITICISMS CONTINUE TO MOUNT
According to the MLB’s website, the league began working on uniform changes with Nike and Fanatics in 2018. They were designed to provide 25% more stretch and dry 28% faster. Nike was responsible for designing the new uniforms while Fanatics was tasked with production.
But the response to the new uniforms was less than enthusiastic.
MLB said the biggest concerns that will be tackled include larger lettering on the back of jerseys and “individual pant customization.” It will also address the discoloration that is caused by players sweating.
Carlos Rodon of the New York Yankees pitches in the second inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park March 29, 2024, in Houston. (Tim Warner/Getty Images)
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For an immediate fix this season, MLB is working to find a solution to the “slight color difference” between pants and jerseys that some teams with gray uniforms deal with. Those uniforms are expected to go out to those teams by the second half of the season.
“We will continue to work with Nike to make adjustments with the goal of delivering a uniform that looks good and helps MLB players perform at their best,” Manfred added.
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