MLB’s uniform catastrophe may be coming to an end in the future.
Or, at the very least, the league seems to be acknowledging it has a problem.
MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark indicated that the concerns of the players are being heard and that “work is being done to mitigate” them in terms of the new uniforms that have gone over like a lead balloon.
“I think the information and the experience that guys have on the ground is speaking for itself,” Clark told The Athletic on Wednesday. “And we’re hopeful, at least based on solid public comments at this point, that work is being done to mitigate it being a topic of discussion any longer than necessary.”
Though Clark didn’t give any specifics on what adjustments could be in the works, he acknowledged that “everyone is aware of the concerns.”
at Camelback Ranch. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Since spring training opened, players have been lodging constant complaints about the new uniforms, which were designed by Nike and produced by Fanatics.
The complaints have ranged from see-through pants to a cheap look to the jerseys.
Phillies star Trea Turner told The Associated Press earlier in February: “I know everyone hates them.”
MLB has since clarified that changes were made to the jerseys, but the pants are the same material and thickness as last season’s, though the style and sizing have been altered.
“So whether it’s the league or it’s Nike, everyone is aware of those concerns,” Clark said. “And [the league and Nike] have suggested in public statements, and otherwise, that they’re engaged with an eye on correcting what can be corrected.”
MLB told The Athletic that reps from the league, Nike and Fanatics “are visiting camps to meet with all players … like every spring training.”
“Adjustments are being made to jersey size, waist, in-seam, length, thigh fit and the bottom of their pants. The goal of these meetings is to provide players with the most comfortable uniforms available for Opening Day,” the statement added.
Still, players have complained that they weren’t given many sizing options compared to fittings in the past, The Athletic reported, and that teams didn’t even have the needed number of uniform pants for their spring training roster.