When people think of the MLB, they generally envision 30 teams of athletic guys who are fortunate enough to play a kid’s game for a living. The league’s historic and deeply rooted rivalries, and some of the game’s greats, might also come to mind, but it is so much more than that. Major League Baseball is not just about the game itself; it also encompasses a rich culture. A major contributor to the culture of the game is the fashion choices of the players. The outfit a player chooses to come to games in says a lot about them and their identities; is he a fashion icon, a laid-back sweatsuit kind of guy, or even a country star?

The MLB is filled with many players who take pride in their fashion choices, one of them being New York Mets utility player Mark “Swaggy V” Vientos. When asked about his favorite closet upgrades of the offseason, he shared that his biggest additions were accessories and outerwear from the popular luxury brand Chrome Hearts, as well as a Goyard travel bag. Vientos is just one of those guys who puts a tremendous amount of effort into his arrival outfits, which is no surprise, as he donned a pair of exclusive Adidas x Swarovski crystal cleats last season. Some of his teammates even refer to him as one of the team’s best dressers, alongside veteran shortstop Francisco Lindor. Whether it be his impressive “shoe game”, designer accessories, or carefully curated arrival and departure outfits, Vientos has definitely made a name for himself on the Mets roster as one of the most fashion-forward players on the team, and even in the game.

Traveling to other cities is obviously exciting for players, as they feel the anticipation of playing different teams and seeing their baseball buddies, but it also means that they get to check out other top-notch shopping spots. When it comes to fashion, Vientos is one of the luckier players in the league because he has the New York City shopping scene at his disposal, unlike Athletics’ Lawrence Butler. Butler mentioned that checking out the Balenciaga store in New York City was a highlight of his trip to the East Coast, noting that they had some good pieces. Butler further stated that his “Moncleezy” (Moncler) puffer jacket is a fashion essential that comes along with him during the colder months of the season.

Not every player in the league has an elite fashion sense like some of the guys aforementioned. Most players actually prioritize their comfort over their appearance or style. Many of the guys opt to wear Nike Techs displaying their team’s logo, especially when they are on the road, but it is all about personal preference. Others might actually take road games as an opportunity to let their style shine. Some players who routinely tend to choose sweats over suits are Los Angeles Dodgers’ Alek Thomas and Athletics’ Denzel Clarke, among many others.  

One of the most popular brands worn by the players, especially in New York, is Kith. San Diego Padres pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., who used to play for the Yankees, proudly says that his go-to outfit to the ballpark is a Kith shirt and a nice pair of jeans, like many others. He mentioned that he made sure to stop by the Kith store in Manhattan on his trip back to the Big Apple to pick up a shirt that he had walked through the tunnel in that day. A couple of seasons ago, Kith actually provided outfits for the New York Mets to model as they arrived at Citi Field. It was cool to see players like Brandon Nimmo, who usually opts to keep it simple, rock a trendy name brand like that. Recently, Essentials Fear of God came out with an MLB collab that a lot of players like to wear. Their comfy sweatsuit mixed with luxury branding is a hit amongst the guys, whether it be the generic “MLB Essentials” gear, or the ones specific to their team.

Each player employs a unique style that is not easy for others to replicate. They are extremely intentional about their outfits, and Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins even admits to being picky when it comes to his clothing, specifically with his shoes. Conversely, there are players who ultimately choose simplicity and do not think of fashion as a part of the game or its culture. Kansas City Royals infielder Jac Caglianone is among that group as he prefers to wear a regular polo and a pair of khakis to the field. Just like every player brings their own individuality and a different skill set to the field, they also bring a unique sense of style that contributes to baseball's ever-evolving culture.

By: Ava Reschke

07/03/2026