MLB to relax dress code for on-field footwear

Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players' Association announced Thursday the league will relax its rules related to player footwear worn during games, according to Lindsay Adler of The Athletic.

"These amendments will provide players increased flexibility with respect to the colors and design of their on-field footwear while coordinating with the clubs' uniform color schemes," a joint statement read.

"Among other things, MLB and the MLBPA have agreed to eliminate the previous rule that the majority of a player's on-field footwear must be in his club's designated primary shoe color. Instead, players may wear shoes displaying any of the following colors in any proportion: (i) black, white, and gray; (ii) any colors displayed on the player's uniform (and certain variations thereof); and (iii) any additional colors designated by the player's club."

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said the decision is - at least in part - related to players desiring more freedom on the field in regard to footwear.

During Players' Weekend in August, in addition to wearing nicknames on the backs of their jerseys, players were free to wear outlandish and creative designs on their cleats. While the new regulations don't go quite that far, they represent a significant change at the ground level for 2019.