An MLB uniform controversy has dominated the opening days of spring training.
MLB rolled out new uniforms for the 2024 season that were designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics. The new uniforms were aimed at improving performance and helping players stay cool throughout games in the summer months.
WATCH ANYTIME FOR FREE
 |
Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are. |
But the early reviews from fans and players have been far from overly positive.
As pictures of the jerseys began to trickle out, fans were critical of the noticeable difference between the old threads and the new Nike Vapor Premier jerseys.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox. Sign up for our News Headlines newsletter.
While some players like Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout and Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Jayson Heyward praised the jerseys, others have been blunt in their criticism of the new look.
An unnamed veteran on the Baltimore Orioles told the Baltimore Banner that they look like "a knockoff jersey from T.J. Maxx," while Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said "I know everyone hates them."
MLB
The jerseys aren't the only part of the new uniforms drawing scrutiny, either. Fans have also noticed that the pants don't completely cover up what players are wearing underneath them.
The Seattle Mariners posted a video of catcher Cal Raleigh where his tucked-in jersey can be seen through his pants.
There was also an image of Cleveland Guardians pitcher Scott Barlow posted on social media where his tucked-in jersey and compression shorts are visible.
The see-through pants have been the subject of jokes among baseball fans on social media:
MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told reporters on Tuesday that the union was "frustrated" over the new uniforms, adding that they were in contact with the involved parties about them.
He described the pants as a "universal concern" on Thursday.
"A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see-through," Clark added, via ESPN. "It's been an ongoing conversation where each day has yielded something new that doesn't seem to make as much sense as you would like it.
"We'll continue to engage those that are involved and determine next steps forward."
MLBPA deputy executive director Bruce Meyer confirmed on Thursday that the organization is relaying concerns from players to MLB about the new pants.
Commissioner Rob Manfred previously said he expects criticism of the uniforms to fade, but that was before the below-the-belt complaints.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
