Nike's recently unveiled Vapor Premier uniforms for the 2024 MLB season have stirred a range of opinions among players and fans. MLB and Nike have now shared more details about the jerseys, including their availability for retail purchase and their usage by players during Spring Training. Additionally, the nine teams set to don the Nike MLB City Connect uniforms this season have been revealed.

The teams that will showcase the Nike MLB City Connect uniforms this year are the Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.

The Nike Vapor Premier jersey made its debut during the 2023 MLB All-Star Game and received positive feedback from many prominent players. Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves expressed his satisfaction, stating that the new uniforms offer a better fit and a lighter feel. "Feeling free in the jersey is the best feeling in the world," he added.

St. Louis Cardinals' star third baseman Nolan Arenado also praised the Nike Vapor Premier jersey, emphasizing its softness, lightness, and comfort. He likened wearing it to wearing his favorite shirt and highlighted its ease in allowing for optimal movement on the field.

However, not all players share the same sentiment. Cardinals pitcher Miles Mikolas reportedly criticized the jerseys, claiming they looked "cheap" when seen in the clubhouse during spring training. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the new Nike Vapor Premier chassis, suggesting that the customization and fit of the pants are not up to par.

Collaborating with Fanatics since 2020, Nike has been responsible for manufacturing each team's jersey. While the jersey program and design initiatives fall primarily under Nike's domain, the development of the Vapor Premier jersey involved extensive testing on hundreds of MLB players. The goal was to improve mobility, moisture management, and sustainability in design.

The Vapor Premier jersey's fabric is made from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns, offering enhanced stretch and moisture-wicking capabilities. This enables the jersey to dry 28% faster, ensuring that players can stay cool and comfortable during games. Nike also utilized body scanning technology to achieve an ideal fit, observing that it needed to be more athletic and form-fitting compared to previous jerseys.

Player reactions following the jersey trials have been varied. Dodgers outfielder Jason Heyward expressed his satisfaction, remarking that the Vapor Premier jersey feels more authentic and comfortable than its predecessors. He particularly appreciated the different texture on the numbers on the back of the jersey, which he believes will delight the fans.

During last year's All-Star jerseys event in Seattle, MLB caught players discussing their experiences with the new jerseys. Arizona Diamondbacks Rookie of the Year Corbin Carroll expressed feeling faster while wearing it, while Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen noted how the jersey's lightness and fit resembled those of NBA jerseys.

As the MLB season approaches, it remains to be seen how the Nike Vapor Premier uniforms will be received by players and fans alike. The mixed reviews indicate that individual preferences and experiences will play a significant role in shaping the overall perception of these new jerseys on the field.