While spring training is a time when Major League Baseball players, teams and their fans are full of hope and anticipation of the new season being just around the corner, the introduction of new MLB jerseys across the league is causing a stir as both players and their union aren’t happy with the new threads.
The recent introduction of new MLB jerseys for the 2024 season, a joint effort between Nike and sports apparel giant Fanatics, has stirred up debate among players and fans. The shift to Nike’s Vapor Premier design featuring a “high-performance fabric” crafted from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns, was aimed at giving the uniforms a more contemporary feel and enhancing their performance.
In addition, all 30 teams saw their uniforms change uniformly including all MLB jerseys will now have a height of four-inch numbers on the front, while the back numbers will be standardized at eight inches. The lettering for player’s names on the back (NOB) will also be resized to a height of 2.5 inches. This change particularly was noticeable to some players who voiced their displeasure with the change, which you can see below.
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, who is a Nike-endorsed player, told The Athletic he has talked with his folks at Nike to let them know the feedback he has and that he’s getting from fellow players.
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“It’s one of those things where there’s good and bad. It’s hard to sit here and just blast them about it or praise them for it. There’s stuff on both sides, and I think the beauty is they’re willing to have those conversations. Obviously, if it’s a change of anything, initial reactions are always going to be (strong). But I do think there are some things that could be altered to make it better.”
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson on the new MLB jersey designs by Nike, feedback to the company
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2024 MLB jerseys are no longer “bright” white
Another one of the league-wide changes by Nike and Fanatics is also garnering negative feedback is about home white MLB jerseys transitioning from a more bright shade of white to an ever so slightly off-white tone. These alterations in color and size for numbers and lettering represent updates aimed at revitalizing the appearance of MLB team uniforms.
As players rolled into both their Grapefruit and Cactus league camps this week, reviews have not been positive. In fact, both the appearance and the fit are raising the ire of players from coast to coast.
Besides the design and visuals raised by players is the perceived decline in quality and fit of the uniforms compared to their predecessors. Players have raised issues with the sizing of the pants, which have transitioned from three measurements to a generic size range resulting in discomfort and limited customization options. Criticism has also been directed at the material used for the jerseys with worries about their appearance and comfort when players perspire during games.
“It looks like a replica. It feels kind of like papery. It could be great when you’re out there sweating, it may be breathable. But I haven’t had that opportunity yet to try that out. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like a $450 jersey. So far, thumbs down.”
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward on the new Nike jerseys
There is a prevailing sense that these fresh designs have taken away some of the charm and prestige associated with wearing a baseball uniform. One player expressed regret over losing the ability to choose fitted pants. Noting that attention to detail was once a defining feature of MLB uniforms.
Some players feel that the new MLB jerseys give off a vibe and seem like imitations rather than authentic professional attire. The design elements like logos, names and numbers have caused disagreements due to inconsistencies in their size and placement. Both players and fans have pointed out issues with the look of the uniforms, mentioning differences in colors on parts and design choices that make them appear less polished.
Some players like the new MLB jerseys
Despite these criticisms, it’s worth noting that there has been positive feedback from some players too.
“The jerseys this season are much more breathable, with vents on the numbers and better airflow all around,” said the Baltimore Orioles Adley Ritschman, albeit in the official MLB Nike/Fanatics press release. “It’s really going to make a difference during those hot summer games when I’m in full gear.”
Even with the positive reviews from players before spring training, as more players try out the uniform during the start of camp, negative feedback indicates that adjustments may be needed to address concerns raised by players and the wider MLB community.
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As we move closer to the 2024 season it will be intriguing to observe how Nike, Fanatics and MLB react to the feedback from players and whether any adjustments will be implemented to address the issues raised. So far, both Nike and Fanatics refuse to comment on the negativity surrounding the new threads and now the MLBPA — the union representing the players — also intends to get involved.
“I think the last names look really bad honestly,” a Cardinals player told The Athletic. “I saw someone on Twitter said this looks like a Walmart jersey.”
If Nike and Fanatics want MLB players to feel good about what they wear, and therefore motivate fans to buy the off-the-field version of the new team jerseys, they might be well advised to listen and make adjustments.
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So far, the reviews are overwhelmingly bad. And that’s not good for baseball.