MLB uniforms for several franchises will look a bit different in 2024 due to some new guidelines from Nike.
The infusion of changes — in what is usually a very traditional sport — is an attempt to modernize and add a fresh look for teams hoping to set a tone for the coming season. It also helps that the growth of MLB merchandise has spiked in recent years, driven by both higher domestic and international sales.
The league recognizes the injection of fashion into its uniforms and the addition of more merchandise for fans is paying off. Following some new guidelines set by Nike, let’s take a look at the most significant design changes fans will see with Spring Training right around the corner.
Nike making changes to all MLB uniforms in 2024
For 2024, Nike, the official uniform provider to MLB, is updating the uniforms for all 30 teams. The front numbers on all jerseys will now have a height of four inches, 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.
In addition to these changes, all home white jerseys are 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.
Arizona Diamondbacks unveil all-new look for 2024
Leading the charge in 2024 are the Arizona Diamondbacks. On the heels of its World Series appearance, Arizona unveiled four brand-new uniform designs. The Diamondbacks’ new uniform sets infuse a twist while keeping elements of their aesthetic intact.
The Diamondbacks uniforms for 2024 combine elements from the past with a twist. The home uniform has a timeless off-white color to the original one from 1998 with baseball piping and the Sedona Red “A” logo outlined in teal. It also features the snakehead on the sleeve and can be paired with either a Sedona Red cap with a black brim or a black cap both emphasizing the “A” logo.
The home black alternate uniform follows tradition incorporating teal piping and displaying the Sedona Red “A” logo on the chest. The team has the choice of white or road grey pants to go along with it as well as a black cap adorned with the “A” logo.
On the other hand, both road grey and road Sedona Red alternate uniforms offer a more striking appearance. The road grey uniform showcases a Sedona Red “Arizona” wordmark outlined in teal and features the snakehead on its sleeve. It can be matched with road grey pants. Is complemented by a black cap that has a Sedona Red brim and displays a retro “D” logo.
The Sedona Red alternate version of the road uniform brings back the Diamondbacks’ wordmark in black with a teal outline. It showcases teal and black braiding on the sleeves and neckline well as teal numbers on the front. This uniform can be paired with either road grey or off-white pants. The team will either wear a black “D” logo cap or an all-Sedona Red cap featuring the throwback logo.
St. Louis Cardinals rumored to introduce all-red jersey in 2024
Aligning with Nike’s guidelines for MLB uniforms, the St. Louis Cardinals will limit themselves to four uniform options and one City Connect set. Nike’s approach aims to bring cohesiveness and structure to uniform styles across the league and St. Louis will adopt these limits.
Although there are no concrete answers, the Cardinals are rumored to be working on an all-red City Connect uniform set. The Cardinals don’t have a red alternate jersey, but they are working with Nike to make that happen for 2024.
Philadelphia Phillies lose red jersey in 2024
Gone will be Philly’s red alternative jersey, according to reports, with the introduction of a new City Connect set, too. With the new Nike limit of four uniform sets plus the City Connect, it made sense for Philadelphia to discontinue its least used uniform set.
The Phillies’ five uniform sets included pinstripes, cream (no pinstripes), powder blue, gray, and red. Speculation is that City Connect will adopt a red top or perhaps an all-red combination.
Toronto Blue Jays also set for a new City Connect jersey in 2024
The Toronto Blue Jays have plans to reveal their brand City Connect uniforms on May 6th, which will be worn for the first time on May 31st against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although the specific design details are being kept secret until their release, there is anticipation that the Blue Jays City Connect edition might incorporate the color red. The thought is it will be a nod to Canada Day and the team’s unique Canadian identity.
Boston Red Sox set uniform schedule for 2024
The Red Sox aren’t introducing anything new for 2024. Still, they will be rocking their City Connect jerseys for every Saturday home game, red alternatives for Friday home games, and white the rest of the time, according to manager Alex Cora on the Name Redacted Podcast.