You never would have expected this from the New York Yankees.
The New York Yankees currently have the best record in the American League, but it's still abundantly clear there are plenty of holes on this roster.
Most notably, the bottom half of the Yankees' lineup has been very problematic, and the bullpen has been a prominent issue.
But that's not what the New York players want the organization to address right now. They want Yankees brass to make a change elsewhere: apparel.
Brendan Kuty of The Athletic has reported that players are pushing the front office to feature alternate uniforms on the road, more specifically the team's navy blue batting practice jerseys which are also worn quite frequently in Spring Training.
But will the Yankees actually make such a change?
Tradition has been a hallmark for the Bronx Bombers, who slightly altered their road uniforms in 2024 when they removed the white trim from "New York." However, that wasn't really a new thing, as the Yanks didn't have the trim before 1973. So it was really more of a throwback than change in custom.
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge. Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images.This, however, would represent a stark alteration.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner did lift the team's 50-year facial hair ban last year, so perhaps he would be amenable to a new uniform, as well ... something his father, George, never would have permitted.
"The Yankees have never had an official alternate jersey. Every other MLB team has an alternate," Kuty wrote. "The Los Angeles Dodgers recently bucked tradition and added a blue alternate road uniform to their regular gray uniform. New York is also one of two teams that don’t have City Connect jerseys. The Athletics, who are between homes, are the other."
Kuty also reported that several Yankees players said prior to their 4-0 win over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night that they hoped they would be able to wear their alternate jerseys soon, although they weren't sure it would come to fruition.
"The Yankees have long been very traditional with their jerseys. They are the only club without names on the back of both their regular home and road jerseys," Kuty added. "They have, however, participated in MLB’s Players Weekend, wearing black uniforms with player-chosen nicknames on the back."
We'll see if Steinbrenner ultimately gives the green light on the change.
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