Time for League Relaunch: MLB Teams that Need Fresh Uniforms and Logos

In late 2024, many existing MLB logos and uniforms have proven durable and recognizable. Nonetheless, there are teams that could benefit from revisiting their brand identity to stay current and appealing to fans. Here, we examine a few teams that may need a rebranding and new uniforms to refresh their visual identity.

Revisiting Classic Flair

Some teams have held onto their designs for too long. Others, despite recent changes, are ripe for a revamp. Here are a few examples:

Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins, after two drastic rebrandings in the last two decades, have settled on a uniform set that feels somewhat stale. It might be time to harken back to the original Florida Marlins uniforms. These classic designs featured bold colors and stood out in the league. A return to these roots could breathe new life into the team’s visual identity.

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres made a strong move by returning to the team's traditional brown and yellow primary colors, but the uniforms themselves could use an overhaul. A fresh design that integrates these colors in a new and innovative way could bring new energy to the team’s appearance.

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have been known to honor their history by regularly wearing 70s/80s throwbacks, but it may be time to fully embrace this era. A full return to the primary color burgundy would align well with their iconic history. This approach could both honor and modernize the team’s image.

Houston Astros

The return to the Star H logo after their 2017 and 2022 World Series championships was a significant moment. However, the home and road uniforms are quite plain. Integrating more dynamic designs, perhaps with new fonts or colors, could elevate the team’s visual appeal and association with the league’s competitiveness.

New York Yankees

The Yankees have removed the white outline from their road uniforms, which was a step forward. It may be worth considering reverting back to the classic Pinstripes white outline in a few years. This visual element remains iconic and could be refreshed without losing its charm.

Uniform Push for Modernization

Uniform and logo updates are not just limited to the team itself. The overall league appearance can also benefit from modernization. For instance, the Cleveland Indians’ iconic Chief Wahoo logo, long overdue for improvement, must be retired. This change could symbolize a step towards inclusivity and sensitivity in team branding.

The Philadelphia Phillies: A Call for Revival

The Phillies have used a script font on the jersey front that has never quite aligned with the team’s historic and classic vibe. Switching to a more traditional font, or even a sleek modern design, could make a significant difference. Additionally, revisiting the maroon primary color used in the 1980s could be a perfect way to modernize their look while keeping the team’s spirit intact.

Washington Nationals: Streamlining the Design

The Washington Nationals' curvy W on the jersey is aesthetically pleasing but the placement of the jersey number near the waist and the piping along the buttons can be distracting. Simplifying the design and ensuring a cleaner layout could significantly enhance the team’s visual appeal. At least one element should be removed to streamline the uniform and make it more visually cohesive.

BTW, for the Yankees... the classic pinstripes are iconic, but the uniform needs a freshening up. Just a thought!