Phillies set to unveil 2024 City Connect jerseys Friday. Early reviews ain't great

The Philadelphia Phillies will unveil the team's 2024 Nike-labeled, Fanatics-produced "City Connect" uniform on Friday ahead of the three-game away series against the Washington Nationals.

"The Phillies are excited to announce that its 2024 Nike MLB City Connect jersey will officially debut on Friday, April 5, 10:00 a.m., at the New Era Phillies Team Store at Citizens Bank Park," read a press release from Major League Baseball announcing the Phillies alternate jersey. This will be the exclusive location in Philadelphia to purchase the new jersey, along with additional City Connect merchandise, during the initial launch.

"Fans are also invited to a free Phillies Block Party, from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Citizens Bank Way, being held in partnership with Fanatics and featuring special guests and major league fun in celebration of the jersey debut," the statement continued. "The festivities will lead into that night’s Phillies-Nationals game at Washington D.C., with the NBCSP+ game broadcast shown on a giant screen."

But what will the jerseys look like? Judging from online leaks, the "City Connect" jerseys will possibly shock fans used to the traditional Phillies uniforms, or even the alternate uniforms that have become popular.

Is this the new 'City Connect' jersey for the Phillies?

Respected online uniform database Uni Watch has published what it says are actual photos of the new "City Connect" jersey.

Paul Lukas at Uni Watch said this particular jersey was available on eBay. However, a search of eBay on Thursday, April 4, for Philadelphia Phillies jerseys revealed no City Connect jerseys.

While nothing is official, rumors circulating on social media are that the Phillies City Connect jersey will be in inspired by the City of Philadelphia flag, which is light blue and yellow, according to a post from Philly Nation.

Some supposed leaks were posted to Phillies Bell on Twitter feature a jersey with different shades of blue, yellow trim and a City of Brotherly Love patch on the sleeve. So far, fan reactions on social media are lukewarm at best.

Details about the 'City Connect' jersey: Philadelphia Phillies will rock MLB City Connect jersey in 2024. What will they look like?

Fans vent on social media about Phillies' 'City Connect' jersey

Crossing Broad pushed a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to talk about the "City Connect" jersey, and the responses were on-brand from Philadelphia sports fans.

"Ridiculous. No one connects with 'Philly' colors from the flag," responded user Section 220Andrew. "Talk about not connecting with the city of Philadelphia."

"Looks like a Midwest arena football team logo," responded user Nathan122306.

"Those are Phillies jerseys? In Union colors??? Uggh awful..." responded user ErnieMc853335812.

"They are bad. Phillies should not be wearing these colors," posted PhillyFan1966. "Bring back the red jerseys. I hope no one buys them and they are a total flop!"

One fan responding to Crossing Broad's post urged caution.

"Remember these are not official," they wrote. "I dont hate them but I'll wait until the team 100% confirms this to be it."

Is the quality of the Nike-labeled jerseys any good?

Outside of the City Connect Jerseys, Fanatics, MLB and Nike have had a difficult start to their partnership for the 2024 season. Players and fans alike hate the new uniforms.

From a distance, and facing frontward, the differences aren’t apparent to the naked eye. Rather, it’s the back of the jerseys: The number and the lettering and the significant gap between the two that might as well be the Atlantic Ocean.

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During spring training, Phillies pitchers wore the new jerseys for their bullpen sessions. And if you’re 6-foot-2, 245-pound lefty Jose Alvarado, the ALVARADO on the back of the jersey reads more like alvarado.

Pity the fellows with brief last names. Reliever Kaleb Ort has just three letters in his name and hasn’t yet put on his jersey. He hadn’t noticed the diminutive lettering yet.

Alas, the checks have cleared, and the Fanatics-MLB-Nike partnership isn’t going away.

Damon C. Williams covers trending and regional developments for PhillyBurbs.com. Support our journalism with a subscription.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Philadelphia Phillies 'City Connect' jersey coming Friday