Yankees alternate jerseys, explained: Historic franchise considering breaking tradition with third uniform

On Wednesday, the New York Yankees made headlines by adding an alternative jersey for the first time in franchise history. However, since the news broke, it was also shared that those new jerseys had already been a part of the team's uniform set and approved.

It has now become mainstream knowledge that the team is able to wear their navy blue batting practice jerseys in-game as an alternative jersey. If they choose to wear them, it will mark the first time in Yankee franchise history that they will have a jersey other than standard home and away.

Here's the rundown on the Yankees officially breaking tradition, and when they might wear their new navy blue uniforms.

SN's MLB HQ: Live MLB scores | Updated MLB standings | Full MLB schedule

What are the Yankees alternate jerseys?

On Wednesday, the news became publicized that the Yankees officially added an alternative jersey, according to the MLB's Bryan Hoch. The storied baseball club will wear its navy blue batting practice jersey in games they desire. Here is a picture of the third jersey added to their standard home and away collection.

Yankees navy blue batting practice jersey has been approved by MLB to be worn in games, as it is part of their official uniform set pic.twitter.com/FIVryNF4P0

— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) April 22, 2026

Despite the jerseys being a new addition for gamedays in the future, they have been a part of the team's official uniform set for some time now, according to Yankees' beatwriter Gary Phillips. They had reportedly been approved for a while, but the team had decided not to wear them during the MLB season.

Was told by multiple people that the #Yankees' navy blue tops had already been part of the team's official uniform set and approved for in-game use long before today. This has been the case for some time, though the team obviously hasn't worn the jerseys in games.

— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) April 22, 2026

Do the Yankees alternate jerseys have names on the back?

Like all Yankee jerseys, these jerseys will not feature player names on the back. This is a tradition that dates back to 1929.

Former owner Jacob Ruppert was the first in baseball to put player numbers on the back of his team's jerseys, but never put their names as well. The franchise never opted to make the change even to this day.

MORE: Remembering Lou Gehrig's famous speech

When will the Yankees wear alternate jerseys?

It is still unclear when the Yankees will opt to wear these navy blue alternate jerseys. However, multiple Yankees spoke about desiring a change to their lockers, including Aaron Judge. The team's captain believes they will wear them on the road, and leave the pinstripe tradition at Yankee Stadium alive.

"I'm all about tradition, but we've got a (advertising) patch on our sleeves," Judge said, per MLB.com). "... I think we'll always wear the pinstripes at home. I don't think that'll change. We've changed our road jersey other years. So I guess if we wear the blues, we'll wear the blues on the road."

MORE: What are the most memorable Subway Series moments?

Have the Yankees ever worn alternate jerseys?

No, the Yankees have never worn alternate jerseys. This is the first time in franchise history that the Bronx Bombers will have a designated alternate jersey added to their collection.

The change has drawn out opinions from both sides of the argument: tradition versus change.

— That’s Baseball, Suzyn (@thats_bb_suzyn) April 22, 2026

Also didn’t do beards. They do now. It’s 2026 not 1940 and the old way clearly don’t work when we haven’t won in 16 years. I love the tradition and I’d prefer it to stay but it definitely won’t forever.

— Rodman 🦧⚾️ (@YankeeSzn22) April 22, 2026

How old are the Yankees?

The Yankees are 123 years old, according to the MLB. Frank Farrell and Bill Devery bought Baltimore's old American League franchise for $18,000 and then moved the team to Manhattan. 

Due to their stadium's elevation at one of the highest points in Manhattan (an all-wood park at 168th Street and Broadway), they became known originally as the Highlanders. In April 1912,  the Highlanders equipped pinstripes on their jersey and began one of the most iconic uniforms in all of sports.

A year later, the Highlanders were officially renamed the "Yankees" after moving to the Polo Grounds. 

To date, the Yankees have won 27 World Series, the most out of any MLB franchise. The Yankees are among the most successful franchises in global sports, according to Stadium Maps.

MORE: What are some of the most memorable moments in the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry?