MLB players add see-through pants to complaints

PHOENIX — Add the potential of see-through pants to the growing list of complaints regarding new MLB uniforms set to be used this season.

With spring training games beginning, the Players Association is talking to its members, both in the Cactus and Grapefruit leagues, gathering feedback on the mini controversy — while hoping some changes can be made before Opening Day.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve landed in a place where the uniforms are the topic of discussion,” executive director of the Players Association, Tony Clark, said on Thursday. “Each conversation with the guys is yielding more information with what we’re seeing.”

The Nike-generated, Fanatics-produced uniforms have been dubbed “performance jerseys,” by commissioner Rob Manfred and were used at last year’s All-Star Game. Many players admit to a “lighter” feel to them but have issues with the look.

Because the fabric is lighter, Clark indicated that it’s a “challenge” to have bigger numbers and letters on them — hence complaints that the back of the jersey looks very “amateurish,” according to more than one player. And now some believe the new eggshell color of the pants — the fabric is the same as last year — is creating a see-through vibe. The “fit” has also come into question.

After visiting over a half dozen spring camps in Arizona so far, Clark is getting a clearer picture of the complaints.

“A lot of the rhetoric is confirmation that the pants are see through,” Clark said. “It’s been an ongoing conversation where each day has yielded something new that doesn’t seem to make as much as sense as you would like it.”

Each camp has seemingly a different issue, including some that are worried about supply chain problems which led at least one player to tell Clark he might have to go to Dick’s Sporting Goods for back-up pants.

“Universal concern is the pant,” Clark reiterated.

In the meantime, Clark will continue to listen to his players and figure what can be done, if anything, before Opening Day.

“We’ll continue to engage those that are involved and determine next steps forward,” he stated.