MLB Addresses Nike Uniform Criticisms with Upcoming Design Fixes

Rapidly addressing negative feedback regarding Nike’s redesigned MLB uniforms, league officials have taken a proactive approach. In light of criticisms from players and fans alike about the new jerseys touted as superior products by Nike, Major League Baseball (MLB) has revealed plans to rectify issues with its latest uniform designs through an internal memo obtained by ESPN on Sunday night.
One notable complaint centered around Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper potentially wearing last year’s version of his team’s jersey due to the significantly smaller font size for players’ names in comparison to previous seasons, as reported earlier this season at one game. Other grievances included a see-through fabric design flaw on pants and mismatched gray tops and bottoms referred to by some as “road jerseys.”
According to ESPN’s report of the memo, MLB players have urged Nike to reconsider several changes made during last year’s preview period. Among those was an apparent displeasure with larger font sizes for names on back jersey panels and concerns over a recurring issue involving sweat accumulation in new uniform designs during games that reportedly caused “major chafing” among players.
The memo cited Nike as solely responsible for the problems encountered, noting its tendency to innovate without considering whether changes were necessary or not. The MLB Players Association has similarly accused Nike of being entirely accountable and called out previous reluctance from league officials when warned against particular uniform designs’ undesirable traits by both MLB and players alike in 2022.
ESPN reported that the planned corrections to the new jerseys, including larger lettering for player names on back panels, a “higher-quality zipper,” corrected mismatched gray tops/bottoms (road uniforms), as well as an improved sweat management system by removing said issue from newer uniform designs are anticipated in 2025 at the latest.