The 2024 MLB season has seen significant discontent among players regarding their new uniforms, prompting the MLB Players Association to attribute the issues directly to Nike.
This year, Nike introduced the “Nike Vapor Premier” uniforms, which were promoted for their enhanced performance and comfort. However, the reality has been starkly different, with numerous players raising issues about the uniforms’ quality and design.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the MLBPA issued a memo to players addressing these concerns and promised that corrective measures would be implemented by the beginning of the 2025 season.
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The memo criticized Nike for its unnecessary attempts at innovation, stating that the problems were solely due to Nike’s design, although the uniforms were manufactured by Fanatics. “This has been entirely a Nike issue,” the memo stated. “At its core, what has happened here is that Nike was innovating something that didn’t need to be innovated.”
Players have reported that the uniforms easily tear during normal game play, and fans have even noted that the pants are somewhat see-through, resulting in some embarrassing moments during player photoshoots. Moreover, the quality of the stitched lettering on the jerseys has deteriorated, and players are frustrated with how much the uniforms retain sweat.
The MLBPA had previously expressed concerns to Nike about its planned changes to the uniforms back in 2022.
Initially, Nike maintained that players would need to adapt to the new uniforms, but due to the overwhelming negative feedback, the company is now reconsidering its stance.
