Major League Baseball will reportedly change its Nike uniforms after widespread complaints about the new jerseys that were introduced in their entirety this spring.
The Nike Vapor Premier uniform, first worn at last year’s All-Star Game, has been heavily criticized by players for its smaller lettering, see-through pants and its inability to absorb sweat.
Now, as reported ESPN’s Jeff PassanThe league will modify 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 said the league will return to using larger letters, fix mismatched gray shirts and pants and address jersey sweat issues.
Interestingly, the MLBPA blamed Nike, and not manufacturer Fanatics, for the uniform issues.
MLB’s new jerseys have been criticized for less trash, among other things
The jerseys have also been criticized for their inability to absorb sweat, as seen with Carlos Rodón of the Yankees.
Additionally, the pants have been shown to be see-through, as shown above by Shohei Ohtani.
“This has been entirely a Nike problem,” the memo said. “In essence, what happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”
Fanatics, which has been making MLB jerseys since 2017, has largely been blamed for the missteps, but according to the memo, the company “recognizes the vital importance of soliciting player feedback, gaining player buy-in, and not be afraid of having difficulties.” conversations about t-shirts or cards.
“Our hope is that, in the future, Nike will take a similar approach.”
Several players made public their displeasure with the new jerseys.
An anonymous Baltimore Orioles player told the Baltimore flag that “look like… a knockoff TJ Maxx t-shirt.”
Meanwhile, Phillies shortstop Trea Turner told the AP“I know everyone hates them.”
Taylor Ward’s Angels described the feel as “paper” and “doesn’t look like a $450 jersey.”
And Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said ‘everybody hates’ the new uniforms.
And Taylor Ward of the Angels said The Athletic, ‘It looks like a replica. It feels like it’s paper. It could be great when you are sweating, it can be breathable.
But I haven’t had a chance to try it yet. But from the looks of it, it doesn’t look like a $450 t-shirt. So far, thumbs down.”
The memo said the MLBPA “warned against” the various changes when they were initially proposed in 2022.
According to Passan, 2025 is “the latest” possible deadline for the jerseys.