Yankees make their case for new alternate jerseys: ‘It wouldn’t be the end of the world’

The Yankees have also worn black uniforms with nicknames on the back – they are the only team without names on the back of both their regular home and road jerseys – for MLB’s Players Weekend. And in 2024, the Yankees tinkered with their gray jerseys, removing white outlining and sleeve trim for a more vintage look at the behest of Aaron Judge.

On Tuesday, Judge initially did not want to comment about the possibility of wearing the navy top in games, stating, “I got nothing for you until it happens.”

But when asked about potentially bucking tradition, the captain noted, “I’m all about tradition, but we got a [sponsorship] patch on our sleeves.”

Judge also said the navy tops wouldn’t be worn in the Bronx.

“I think we’ll always wear the pinstripes at home,” he said. “I don’t think that’ll change, but we changed our road jersey other years, so I guess if we wear the blues, we wear the blues on the road.”

It’s unclear when the Yankees could start implementing their navy tops, or if they even will. Boone said he didn’t know if anything was “imminent anyway,” and The Athletic reported that the jerseys haven’t been approved for in-game use by MLB yet. Hal Steinbrenner would also have to sign off; Stanton wasn’t sure if this conversation has made it to the Yankees owner yet.

“It wouldn’t be the end of the world. It’s okay,” Stanton said, some sarcasm in his voice. “I’m sure if we were to do it and we play well, then it’s okay. If we don’t play well, it’s because of the jersey.

“We gotta play well regardless of what we’re wearing.”

While on the subject of fashion, Stanton said he’d also like to see the Yankees get a City Connect jersey. The Bombers are just one of two teams that don’t have one.

The Athletics are the other, and that’s because the former Oakland franchise is temporarily in Sacramento and eventually moving to Las Vegas.

“They don’t have a home,” Stanton joked.

But Stanton acknowledged that Nike isn’t batting 1.000 on their City Connect creations. While some have become fan favorites, plenty have been duds over the years.

“That one’s touchy because I don’t like a lot of the City Connects,” he said. “So we can’t do one that doesn’t hit, that’s for sure.”

For now, the navy tops are the safer, easier alternate that the Yankees seem to be craving. After all, they’ve already been manufactured and are in the possession of players.

“They’re always in our locker, but we don’t wear them, so why not?” Stanton asked. “What are they made for? To see if the hanger works?”