MLB players add see-through pants to concerns with new uniforms

PHOENIX — Add the potential of see-through pants to the growing list of complaints about the new MLB uniforms being worn this season.

With spring training games beginning, the Major League Baseball Players Association is talking to its members to gather feedback on the controversy, while hoping changes can be made before Opening Day.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve gotten to a place where uniforms are the topic of discussion,” MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said Thursday. “Every conversation with the guys sheds more information on what we’re seeing.”

The uniforms generated by Nike and produced by Fanatics have been called “performance jerseys” by commissioner Rob Manfred and were used in last year’s All-Star Game. Many players admit to a lighter feel, but have issues with the look.

Because the fabric is lighter, Clark said it’s a “challenge” to have larger numbers and letters, hence complaints that the back of the jersey looks “amateur,” according to more than one player. And some say the eggshell color of the pants (the fabric is the same as last year) is creating a sense of transparency. The fit has also been questioned.

After visiting more than a half-dozen spring camps in Arizona, Clark has a clearer idea of ​​the complaints.

“A lot of the rhetoric is a confirmation that the pants are see-through,” Clark said. “It’s been an ongoing conversation where every day something new has come up that doesn’t seem to make as much sense as we’d like.”

Each camp apparently has a different problem, including some that are concerned about supply chain issues that led at least one player to tell Clark he might have to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods to buy replacement pants.

“The universal concern is pants,” Clark said.

An MLB spokesperson said in a statement that adjustments are being made to the jersey size, waist, inseam, thigh fit and bottom of the pants, based on player requests to Fanatics representatives. , Nike and MLB, who have been visiting training camps. and conduct feedback and uniform adaptation sessions with players.

Regarding uniform supply, the spokesperson’s statement said the league is in “close contact with our clubs and uniform partners to ensure clubs have what they need for opening day.”

Nike said in a statement that “we always put the athlete at the center of everything we do. We work closely with MLB players, teams and the league to create the most advanced uniforms in MLB history, which are more light and flexible.”

“The quality and performance of our product is of utmost importance to us. We will continue to work with MLB, the players and our manufacturing partner to address player uniforms.”

In the meantime, Clark will continue to listen to the players and determine what, if anything, can be done before Opening Day.

“We will continue to engage those who are involved and determine the next steps to take,” he said.