By the time Major League Baseball and the MLB Players’ Association agreed to allow advertising patches on uniforms, many fans had resigned themselves to the inevitability of the situation.

Advertising is now a part of everyday life, and the idea that professional uniforms were too revered for commercial branding has become almost absurd.

That said, fans are not necessarily thrilled about it.

Every new jersey patch launch stirs dissatisfaction among fans, with strong reactions frequently appearing on social media as major league uniforms increasingly resemble European soccer kits.

At present, 23 out of 30 teams have embraced the financial benefits of jersey sponsorships, with income ranging from a few million dollars to a sum sufficient to pay a top-tier starting pitcher. It’s likely only a matter of time before the Rockies, Nationals, Rays, Twins, White Sox, Mariners, and Athletics (whenever they finalize their locations) join in, bringing the total to a complete 30.

However, not all patches are equally accepted. Some brands might irk fans faster than others. YSL News Sports aims to rank the 23 jersey ads from the most bothersome to the least objectionable:

23. New York Yankees: Starr Insurance

The Yankees might try to portray themselves as unique because of their personal policies like banning messy facial hair and not displaying player names on jerseys. However, they, like everyone else, have a price, reportedly around $25 million each year for Starr Insurance to place its logo on their iconic pinstripes. It’s somewhat disappointing, as one would expect the Yankees to secure a more reputable national brand.

22. Cleveland Guardians: Marathon Oil

This represents a significant irony: Cleveland, known as the origin of the modern environmental movement following the Cuyahoga River’s infamous fire in 1969, now has its team sponsored by a top-20 polluter that has actively worked to weaken environmental regulations. At least we can count on Emmanuel Clase to keep his pitches clean in the ninth inning.

21. Los Angeles Dodgers: Guggenheim Baseball

We understand: The Dodgers are owned by wealthy individuals. It’s impressive that Guggenheim Partners manages assets exceeding $300 billion and that CEO/owner Mark Walter has a net worth over $6 billion. They certainly have the means to acquire talented players. But featuring the brand as a jersey patch serves as a reminder to fans that they are witnessing a contest between wealthy financiers and private equity managers.

20. Atlanta Braves: Quikrete

The Atlanta-based company, known for its concrete and cement products, has a five-year agreement and is “proud to have our hometown team wear our iconic yellow bag QUIKRETE logo on their sleeve,” according to CEO Will Magill. However, fans attend games to unwind, and the “iconic yellow bag” only serves to remind them of postponed home repairs. It could have been worse, as Home Depot is located just three miles from Truist Park.

19. San Francisco Giants: Chevrolet

At first glance, this sponsorship seems fitting: baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and GM. Yet beneath the surface lies a chaotic backdrop driven by Silicon Valley’s tech scene. The Giants adopted Chevy after a failed season with Cruise, which touts itself as the leading driverless ride-hailing service. This partnership started off with a promotional video featuring manager Gabe Kapler and closer Camilo Doval, both of whom are no longer employed there. The situation worsened following the CEO’s resignation after a robotaxi incident and state allegations against Cruise for not sharing critical information. GM oversees both Chevrolet and Cruise.

18. Texas Rangers: Energy Transfer

Remember Enron Field, once the name of the Astros’ stadium before the company’s notorious collapse? Its legacy somewhat lingers in the Rangers’ jerseys. Kelcy Warren, Energy Transfer’s co-founder and current executive chairman, acquired a vast network of pipelines after Enron’s downfall, turning it into a massive energy firm valued at $54 billion, now visible on the Rangers’ garments.

17. Philadelphia Phillies: Independence Blue Cross

Described as “Philadelphia’s local health insurer for over 85 years,” and “honored to be part of Phillies history”, it raises the question once more of why health insurance companies are involved in promoting and building their brand.

instead of, you know, reducing the expenses associated with falling ill.

16. Houston Astros: Occidental Petroleum

Since it’s too crowded for the entire name, “Oxy” is featured on the sleeve, similar to its prominent displays around Minute Maid Park. In Texas, where oil is king, this partnership is almost a given. As Astros vice president Jeff Stewart mentioned, “We’re proud of our enduring collaboration with Oxy and appreciate their commitment to our community and fans.” The additional revenue is expected to help recover some of the investment in Jose Abreu.

15. Chicago Cubs: Motorola

While this partnership seems harmless, it was established two years after the Padres made a deal with Motorola for the first MLB jersey patch. You wouldn’t expect the iconic Cubs brand to come second to the Padres, but the current National League standings tell a different story. This deal also features the “motorola razr room” adjacent to the Cubs’ team store, and the trendy lower-case name might just entice Gen Z to switch from iPhones.

14. Toronto Blue Jays: TD

TD Bank’s Canadian commercial banking division typically plays it safe and relatively low-key as a sponsor. Still, their patches stand out too much in bright green against the Blue Jays’ jerseys, whether it’s the home whites or any shade of blue.

13. Miami Marlins: ADT

The Marlins have teamed up with “the most trusted name in smart home and small business security.” Even with the game clock speeding things up, you wouldn’t want to be anxious about your home while catching a game. “This partnership signifies a commitment from ADT and the Marlins towards ensuring that everyone has the right to feel safe. They will pinpoint areas at loanDepot park to utilize ADT’s top-of-the-line security solutions to keep fans, players, and visitors secure when they visit the ballpark.”

12. New York Mets: New York Presbyterian

Mets fans, accustomed to unexpected turns, saw the patch redesign after it was pointed out that it looked like “Phillies colors.” Whatever the case, the new patch is more visually appealing. This collaboration includes a “branded seventh-inning stretch” aimed at promoting healthy living as well as highlighting healthcare workers. Plus, newborns born at New York Presbyterian will receive Mets-themed onesies – adorable!

11. St. Louis Cardinals: Stifel

This St. Louis financial services firm touts itself as “one of the nation’s premier full-service wealth management and investment banking companies.” They express their delight that baseball fans across the nation will see their logo beautifully incorporated into the Cardinals’ classic uniform.

10. Milwaukee Brewers: Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern’s CEO John Schlifske notes, “We’re investing $1 billion into our downtown campus. However, to draw employees to Milwaukee, we must present it as a major league city. Having the Brewers plays a crucial role in that overall appeal of living, working, and playing here in Milwaukee.”

9. Arizona Diamondbacks: Avnet

Marketed as a “leading global distributor and solutions provider in technology” based in Arizona, you can easily envision their logo on a business traveler’s polo as they await their flight at Sky Harbor.

8. San Diego Padres: Motorola

Why are the Padres placed higher than the Cubs? For starters, they were the pioneers in this patch concept. Motorola also serves as the official partner of the Padres Hall of Fame. Given the history of telecommunications partnerships in San Diego, with Qualcomm removing the name from Jack Murphy Stadium years back, this collaboration signifies a mutual desire to challenge the norm.

7. Los Angeles Angels: Foundation Building Materials

With FBM’s logo on their sleeve, the company started just a stone’s throw away from Angel Stadium and is known as a leading supplier of building materials and construction supplies, including gypsum wallboards, metal framing, as well as door and window frames.

ceiling tile, drywall, insulation, suspended ceiling systems, fasteners and stucco.” It’s unfortunate they can’t incorporate “functional ownership” into the equation.

6. Baltimore Orioles: T. Rowe Price

Based in Baltimore, T. Rowe Price has become the “exclusive investment and wealth management sponsor of the Orioles.” Reflecting changing times, the well-known Baltimore Sun sign on the scoreboard at Camden Yards was removed in 2023, with T. Rowe Price taking its place. This could serve as an interesting plot twist in a potential sixth season of The Wire.

5. Boston Red Sox: MassMutual

This decade-long partnership “unites two resilient and reputable Massachusetts brands, sharing a commitment to their customers and mutual support.” Indeed, we’re now in the part of the rankings where each brand has a local connection.

4. Cincinnati Reds: Kroger

To illustrate the magnitude of these partnerships, the Sports Business Journal notes that the Reds are set to receive $5 million each year, which is just one-fifth of what the Yankees earn. Kroger isn’t just a small local grocery store; it operates in 35 states and is always expanding, yet it remains rooted in Cincinnati.

3. Kansas City Royals: QuikTrip

QuikTrip has become a lifeline for many travelers, providing crucial caffeine for long car rides across Kansas. The Royals appreciate this partnership, with executive vice president Sarah Tourville stating, “We sought a partner that shares our values and integrity, passed down through generations.”

2. Detroit Tigers: Meijer

A potential Reds-Tigers World Series would feature not only I-75 connecting the two cities but also their respective food industry titans. Meijer previously had a partnership with the Red Wings, and the Tigers decided to align similarly to create “iconic memories for fans and families,” said Ryan Gustafson, the team’s executive vice president.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates: Sheetz

Absolutely. It’s true—America has a loose connection through a variety of full-service gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food restaurants, and nothing embodies Western Pennsylvania better than Sheetz. “When you map out our market region alongside the Pirates’ fan base, you’ll find very few gaps,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO.

Indeed, the state that could decide our next president is split nearly perfectly down the middle, with Sheetz on the west and Wawa on the east. The Phillies made a mistake by overlooking Wawa, which is synonymous with Schwarber-fest. The Pirates understood the assignment and nailed it.