New uniform designs drawing lots of scrutiny
Jerseys are supposed to provide more stretch and also dry faster
What players are wearing has garnered as much attention as what they’re doing at spring training.
Major League Baseball teams are wearing newly designed uniforms this year aimed at improving performance and helping players stay cool throughout games in the summer months. The new gear, designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics, has drawn mixed reviews from players.
“I know everyone hates them,” Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said Friday. “We all liked what we had. We understand business, but I think everyone wanted to keep it the same way, for the most part, with some tweaks here or there.”
Nike has been designing MLB uniforms since 2020 and Fanatics has been manufacturing them since 2017, but this is the first year for the Nike Vapor Premier jerseys
MLB officials say these uniforms improve mobility by providing 25% more stretch and also will dry 28% faster. The lettering, sleeve emblems and numbering are less bulky in an attempt to make uniforms more breathable and comfortable.
Commissioner Rob Manfred says he expects criticism to fade.
“In baseball, any new initiative, there’s going to be some negative feedback,” Manfred said Thursday. “First and most important, these are Nike jerseys. So we entered this partnership with Nike because of who they are and the kinds of products that they use. Everything they’ve done for us so far has been absolutely, 100% successful across the board.
“The jerseys are different.
They’re designed to be performance wear as opposed to what has traditionally been worn. So they are going to be different, but they have been tested more extensively than any jersey in any sport.”
Fanatics representatives declined comment. Nike didn’t respond to an email sent to its media relations office.
Manfred noted feedback was positive when these uniforms were introduced at last year’s AllStar Game.
MLB released a video Tuesday showing players raving about the new uniforms during the All-Star Game. MLB also issued a news release about the new gear this week that included testimonials from St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado, Baltimore catcher Adley Rutschman and Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning NL MVP.
“It’s almost like wearing my favorite fitted T-shirt out on the field — and so easy to move around in,” Arenado said in a statement released by MLB.
But when players started wearing them this week, many complained.
“Don’t fix what’s not broken,” Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm said. “The looks of it, it just looks different. The names are smaller on the back.”
Dave Meluni, an associate teaching professor for Syracuse’s department of sports management, mentioned issues that could keep fans from buying the jerseys. Meluni said qualities that might help the jerseys improve performance by being more breathable and lightweight could make them less appealing to consumers.
“There’s a look that they’re cheaper,” Meluni said. “And then you go to buy them and they’re not.”
Meluni said colors appear faded on jerseys for some teams, such as the Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners.
PLAYERS WIN ARBITRATION:
Alec Bohm beat the Philadelphia Phillies in salary arbitration, clinching the players’ first winning record since 2019.
The third baseman and first baseman was given a $4 million salary rather than the team’s $3.4 million offer by Brian Keller, Jeanne Charles and John Stout, who heard arguments on Thursday.
Players lead 8-6 with just one case remaining. Miami lefthander Tanner Scott was the final player scheduled for a hearing. A decision is expected Saturday from Robert Herman, John Woods and Allen Ponak.
BOGAERTS TO 2B: Xander Bogaerts is moving to second base to clear the way for 2023 Gold Glove utilityman Ha-Seong Kim to take over for the San Diego Padres’ shortstop.
This move comes one year after the Padres signed Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million contract. Bogaerts, who spent 10 seasons with the Boston Red Sox before joining the Padres, has been a shortstop throughout his career.
Bogaerts told reporters he was comfortable with the plan to switch.
“I was like, ‘Listen, man, if this is the way that you guys view the team is better,’ “Bogaerts said. “I respect Kim, especially defensively. I actually admire him a lot.”
BLUE JAYS ADD ESCOBAR: The Toronto Blue Jays and infielder Eduardo Escobar agreed to a minor league contract, and he will report to big league camp.
The 35-year-old hit .226 with a .269 on-base percentage, six homers and 31 RBIs in 99 games with the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels last season. He has played 13 seasons and has a career .253 batting average with a .305 on-base percentage, .430 slugging percentage, 164 homers and 636 RBIs.
ORIOLES CLAIM CASTILLO:
The Baltimore Orioles claimed utilityman Diego Castillo off waivers from the Phillies and designated infielder Liván Soto for assignment.
Castillo, 26, appeared in one game for the Arizona Diamondbacks last season after hitting .206 with a .251 on-base percentage, 11 homers and 29 RBIs in 96 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022.
Soto, 23, played in 22 games with the Los Angeles Angels over 2022 and ‘23 and hit .375 with a .414 on-base percentage, one homer and nine RBIs.