Uniform critics, rejoice: MLB is going back to basics.
The league announced Monday that players will again wear their primary home and road uniforms during the All-Star Game starting next year. The decision will put an end to the heavily derided uniforms of the American League and National League, and allow players to represent their hometown teams at the event.
In addition, MLB is complying with player requests to return regular season uniforms to their previous quality after a number of player complaints. New uniforms were introduced this past season as part of MLB’s partnership with Nike and Fanatics, but were heavily criticized for a variety of issues, including smaller lettering on the back, nearly see-through pants and gray fabric that showed visible sweat.
Following a league-wide investigation, MLB is responding to player criticism with changes including larger player name tags, embroidered sleeve patches and allowing full pant customization. They will also use gray uniforms made from material used in 2023 for next season, before introducing newly produced uniforms in 2026.
As for the All-Star game, MLB isn’t doing away with league uniforms altogether, according to MLB.com: players will still wear a special All-Star uniform during the day of practice. Players watching the Home Run Derby also wear the All-Star uniform, while those participating in the Derby wear their home uniforms. MLB is also creating an All-Star game cap for the event.
MLB’s deal with Nike and Fanatics hasn’t gone exactly to plan so far. In addition to the criticism of the 2024 uniforms, the decision to create All-Star uniforms has not been as successful as hoped. The uniforms were implemented in 2021 and were largely unpopular among fans and players.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has discussed both issues this season, telling reporters ahead of the 2024 All-Star Game in July that he was open to the idea of making changes for next season.
“There are a lot of uniform things going on,” Manfred said. “Obviously the conversations have to involve the players first and foremost, and Nike and some of our partners, but I’m aware of the sentiment and I know why people like that tradition. There will be conversations about that.”
Now it appears those conversations have sent MLB back to things that worked in the past.
