Zobrist earlier this year wore black spikes despite a warning from MLB that he was in violation of regulationsGETTY IMAGES
MLB and the MLBPA are "discussing changes to the league's footwear policy that would relax the restrictions on colors and designs players can use on their cleats," according to sources cited by Jeff Passan of YAHOO SPORTS. Multiple officials said that they are "optimistic that the sides will come to an agreement and modernize the types of shoes available in-game to players." Sources said that the "public censuring of the rules" by Cubs 2B Ben Zobrist and Indians P Mike Clevinger "expedited the urgency of the sides to move in a mutually beneficial direction." Passan notes while MLB "fears that brands could abuse a blank-slate policy and turn cleats into guerrilla marketing vehicles, it also understands that in its attempts to reach younger fans, shoe culture is a powerful force and a market in which baseball has no stake." Only Angels CF Mike Trout has a "signature shoe with Nike." One "potential avenue the sides are considering is to run footwear similar to the bat program, in which certified companies may run designs by the league in the offseason and receive permission" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 6/28).
