According to a memo distributed to players by the MLB Players Association, MLB plans to modify the uniforms after months of complaints.
Among the many changes, this update will fix issues such as the issue where players’ pants were showing through, and the font size and top/bottom inconsistencies on jerseys.
“We recognize that this was too time consuming for our players and was completely avoidable,” the union memo said.
The changes are expected to take effect by the beginning of the 2025 season at the latest. News of the memo was first reported by ESPN.
Nike’s new Vapor Premier uniforms were widely criticized for their design and feel, and issues with the uniforms first came to the fore during spring training. MLBPA Executive Director Tony Clark said in February that the pants were a “universal concern” for the association.
“This is entirely a Nike issue,” Sunday’s memo said. “The crux of what happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”
The union memo also acknowledged that Fanatics, which manufactures the uniforms, listened to player feedback.
“Our hope is that Nike will take a similar approach in the future,” the memo said.
“As many of you may know, Nike’s concerns about changes are nothing new. When Nike previewed 2022, we warned against a number of changes, especially regarding pants. MLB also We’ve been aware of our concerns for a while, and we’re aware of them now. Unfortunately, until recently, Nike’s position was essentially, “There’s nothing to see here, players adjust. There is a need.” ”
Nike, Fanatics and MLB declined to comment.
This story will be updated.
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