ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

MLB players miffed at sport’s new see-through pants, relaying concerns to league

Feb 24, 2024, 10:48 AM | Updated: 10:48 am

MLB baseballs...

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — MLB’s new uniform reveal hasn’t gone very well. Now some of the rampant criticism has moved below the belt.

Major League Baseball Players Association deputy executive director Bruce Meyer confirmed on Thursday that the organization is relaying concerns from players to MLB about the new pants, which are somewhat see-through. The complaints — first reported by ESPN — are part of broader scorn for the new uniforms, which are designed by Nike and manufactured by Fanatics.

“I know everyone hates them,” Phillies shortstop Trea Turner said last week. “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.”

MLB officials say the new 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 previously said he expects criticism to fade, but that was before the below-the-belt complaints.

Some MLB players don’t know if they like the new pants — because they don’t have them yet. The San Diego Padres played their first spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday in last year’s pants.

Veteran pitcher Joe Musgrove wasn’t sure when the Padres were supposed to get their new pants.

“Hopefully by Opening Day,” Musgrove said. “We tried stuff on last year, we tried stuff on again in spring, but the samples they gave us, they didn’t have the proper length for anybody, so it’s hard to gauge if they fit right or not.”

Musgrove shrugged off the controversy, saying that it was far from the most important thing he’s worried about this spring, even if it’s a little annoying.

“Pants are pants — we’re going to wear them,” he said. “If they don’t fit right, you’ll deal with it.”

Comments

Comment guidelines: No name-calling, personal attacks, profanity, or insults. Please keep the conversation civil and help us moderate comments by reporting abuse.
comments powered by Disqus

Arizona Diamondbacks

Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

When can fans attend Diamondbacks spring training workouts?

Wednesday is a big day for Diamondbacks fans, as pitchers and catchers officially report, and workouts are open to the public at Salt River Fields. 

41 minutes ago

Diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

The 5: Diamondbacks storylines entering spring training

No matter what Punxsutawney Phil saw or not, spring is here because Diamondbacks baseball is back. Let's go over five spring training storylines.

2 hours ago

Diamondbacks Scott McGough...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks bring back RHP Scott McGough on minor league deal, sign RHP John Curtiss

The Diamondbacks are giving another look to Scott McGough, who agreed to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training.

3 hours ago

Josh Naylor...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks’ Josh Naylor looking to fill leadership role, dominate at the plate

Josh Naylor is pretty clear about what he wants his first season with the Arizona Diamondbacks to look like as a leader and a hitter.

1 day ago

diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Diamondbacks roster projection: Spring training begins

What may the Arizona Diamondbacks' roster and lineup construction look like? Let's take an early look at the options going into spring training.

1 day ago

Randal Grichuk, diamondbacks...

Alex Weiner

Pitching is what’s left on Diamondbacks offseason to-do list

The Diamondbacks may have some moves to make regarding the pitching staff while feeling good about the offense as spring training begins.

3 days ago

MLB players miffed at sport’s new see-through pants, relaying concerns to league