Pants shortage is latest embarrassment in MLB's new uniform rollout

The biggest story across Major League Baseball this spring isn't anything happening with the play on the field. 

It is the embarrassing rollout of new uniforms that has been the source of frustration and controversy for their cheap look, poor design and see-through nature of the pants. 

But there is one additional problem that is starting to surface with some teams — they don't have enough pants. 

According to a Thursday night report from The Athletic, several teams are using old pants throughout the remainder of spring training because of supply issues getting the new pants. 

“There are teams that have pants and jerseys,” union president Tony Clark told The Athletic. “There are some teams that don’t have pants. There are other teams that are supposed to be receiving certain things before the start of the year. There are others that — in the event they have an issue with the pants and a player needs a new pair — don’t have anything in reserve.”

Nike and Fanatics have also reportedly rejected custom tailoring on uniforms — something players were routinely allowed to do in the past — while players are simply grouped into four groups based on body size and given generic options for slimmer, regular or baggier fits. 

The fact that this has been a huge ordeal is an embarrassing look for the MLB, Nike and Fanatics. Baseball and Nike are billion-dollar industries and it shouldn't be this difficult to make professional athletes look professional. 

For years, it wasn't an issue. The whole thing just seems cheap and amateur, and it should also be a cautionary tale for the NHL and what it can expect in future seasons. Fanatics will be supplying their game jerseys starting next season. 

If the MLB rollout is a sign of what is ahead, it will probably not be a smooth process.