Tony Clark Says MLBPA Is Hopeful ‘Work Is Being Done to Mitigate’ Uniform Issue

Erin WalshFebruary 29, 2024

David Durochik/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Major League Baseball’s new uniforms for the 2024 season are not a hit among the players, but it appears the league and MLB Players Association are working to resolve the issues involving the new threads.

MLBPA executive director Tony Clark told The Athletic’s Jayson Stark that “work is being done to mitigate” player concerns involving the new uniforms in the midst of spring training.

“I think the information and the experience that guys have on the ground is speaking for itself,” Clark said. “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.”

Players have been complaining about MLB’s new Nike-designed, Fanatics-produced uniforms since spring training began earlier this month.

Complaints have arisen regarding how the uniforms fit, the length of the new pants, the size of the lettering and the overall quality.

The names and numbers on the back of the jerseys are smaller, and the pants appear to be see-through. These quality issues can be seen in this video of Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh:

Seattle Mariners @MarinersCal’s got jokes 😆 pic.twitter.com/rhrDgl6x8h

The same issues are apparent in this photo of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani:

Mark J. Rebilas @rebilasphotoShohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during Los Angeles Dodgers photo day at Camelback Ranch. #dodgers #mlb #springtraining

📸 @rebilasphoto pic.twitter.com/Kg1zdBc9Vo

“Everyone is aware of the concerns,” Clark added. “So whether it’s the league or it’s Nike, everyone is aware of those concerns. 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 in a statement that league representatives, along with representatives for Nike and Fanatics, “are visiting camps to meet with all players … like every spring training,” adding that it has encouraged players to provide feedback on the uniforms.

With feedback being received, the league said that “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.”

However, The Athletic notes that players “have disputed” MLB’s statement, stating that the uniform fittings have been more limited than in past years. Players say they have been offered three sizing options, but in the past fittings have been more customized.

Opening Day is set for March 28, so all parties involved in the handling of the uniforms have some time to make things right before players hit the field in front of thousands of fans.

If the issues persist, it’ll be interesting to see how 2024 jersey sales compare to sales in past seasons.