Nike introducing new MLB uniform elements this season was met by a wave of criticism at the start of Spring Training and it has largely continued in the months since.
The new Nike Vapor Premier jersey was revealed as the standard for which players would wear moving forward. Nike explained the lighter material was more conducive for on-field play and noted it allowed for more stretch.
However, with that also came smaller lettering for player last names on the back of jerseys and a more narrow placket on the front.
Complaints over the lettering, incorrect coloring and an overall decline in quality have been among the most glaring issues.
That’s now led to forthcoming changes to MLB uniforms, which the Players Association detailed would include a return to large lettering among other corrections, per Jeff Passan of ESPN:
The most prominent modifications include a return to larger lettering on the back of jerseys, remedying mismatched grey tops and bottoms, and addressing the new Nike jersey’s propensity to collect sweat, according to the memo distributed to players by the MLB Players Association on Sunday.
The changes, which will happen at the latest by the beginning of the 2025 season, will also include fixes to the pants, widely panned this spring for being see-through.
Nike signed a 10-year contract to become MLB’s official uniform supplier before the 2020 season. This is the first major change to player apparel that they’ve implemented.
Fanatics has also been implicated due to manufacturing the jerseys, but their CEO and founder Michael Rubin, along with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, have specified the company is following guidelines and instructions set by Nike.
Rob Manfred believed new MLB uniforms would become popular
When previously discussing the jersey changes before the season, Manfred shared that although the design was different, he believed they would ultimately gain popularity.
Manfred cited feedback from the 2023 MLB All-Star Game when Nike’s new Vapor Premier jersey was first used for his initial optimism, but in hindsight, the droves of changes made to uniforms fell flat.
