Spring training might feel a bit redundant for modern pro athletes who spend all year fine-tuning their bodies, but it’s becoming quite necessary for MLB’s uniform partners, who apparently need the time to iron out some significant issues.
First was the on-going Fanatics jersey debacle, with players finding threads in their lockers unsuitable for casual wear, let alone on-field performance. And it turns out that was just a precursor to what might be the biggest issue in camp right now: MLB’s new Nike pants.
Specifically, the pants are completely see-through. There’s really no kind way to say it. Everyone who puts them on looks like Steve Lyons on his most-embarrassing day, as Cal Raleigh (and those who watched his Mariners video) quickly learned.
If you’re wondering why this is only popping up now when some players have been in camp for more than a week, it turns out many have been wearing pants from last season to avoid anyone getting a glimpse at what’s underneath.
The players who did wear them for photo day are probably wishing they hadn’t.
Shohei Ohtani poses for a portrait during Los Angeles Dodgers photo day at Camelback Ranch. #dodgers#mlb#springtraining
This isn’t the first time Nike has had issues with pants transparency after introducing a new uni template. When they took over the NFL’s uniform contract in 2012, the first month of that season brought us this:
While we’re at it, it’s also worth remembering that Nike had major problems — not with pants, but with uniform quality — when they took over NBA uniforms in 2017. So these growing pains (or, if you prefer, rank incompetence) are nothing new for them.
So there you have it. MLB’s jerseys are hard to read and look cheaply made while MLB’s pants are bringing fans closer to their favorite players than ever. Never say this league is afraid to innovate.
Just in case you think these are isolated incidents, more examples of the see-through pants are below.
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 21: Kyle Gibson #44 of the St. Louis Cardinals poses for a portrait at Roger Dean Stadium on February 21, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Feb 18, 2024; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) poses for a photo during media day at the Charlotte Sports Complex. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
Feb 20, 2024; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) during media photo day at the Peoria Sports Complex. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Feb 20, 2024; Lee County, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Lucas Giolito (54) poses for a photo during media day at JetBlue Park. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 20: Liam Hendriks of the Boston Red Sox poses for a portrait at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 20, 2024 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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