Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and its teams have some of the most iconic jerseys in all of sports. But which MLB team sells the most jerseys each year? The answer tends to vary year-to-year, but a few teams consistently rank near the top in jersey sales.
The New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers are usually the top selling MLB jerseys. As two of the most successful and popular big-market franchises in the sport, they have huge fanbases that drive strong merchandise sales. Other top sellers are large-market teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and St. Louis Cardinals.
In recent years, individual player jerseys have grown in popularity thanks to fantasy sports and social media. Stars like Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, and Fernando Tatis Jr. frequently have top-selling jerseys.
When buying an MLB jersey, consider factors like your favorite team and player, as well as the size, style, and price that fits your needs. MLB jerseys are great for showing team pride and make for stylish everyday wear.
Why the Yankees and Dodgers Sell So Many Jerseys
The New York Yankees have ranked as the top seller of MLB jerseys and merchandise for many years. As one of the most iconic franchises in American sports, they benefit from having a massive fanbase and being located in the huge New York market.
Some key factors behind the Yankees' popularity and merchandise sales dominance:
- 27 World Series titles - the most in MLB history
- Having many of the greatest players ever like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Derek Jeter
- Large national and international fanbase from decades of success
- Playing in iconic Yankee Stadium, which boosts merchandising
- Huge, loyal New York market provides massive sales
- Aggressive investment in marketing and branding
Similarly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are almost always one of the top jersey sellers as well. They have their own storied history and benefit from playing in the major media market of L.A.
- 7 World Series titles
- Great players like Jackie Robinson, Sandy Koufax, Clayton Kershaw
- Celebrity fanbase from being an L.A. team
- Marketing prominently targets fashionable/stylish branding
- Customers across the country buy Dodgers gear
The Yankees and Dodgers show how success, history, branding, and a large local fanbase are key factors for merchandising sales. For any MLB team, becoming a consistent contender and building a national following is pivotal.
Other Top Selling MLB Team Jerseys
While the Yankees and Dodgers are always top jersey sellers, other teams frequently rank among the league leaders:
Boston Red Sox
- 4 World Series titles since 2004 after 86 year drought
- Nationwide fans due to success and curse storyline
- Strong local Boston fan support even in down years
Chicago Cubs
- Hugely popular nationwide after 2016 World Series win
- Ended 108 year title drought
- Wrigley Field and Cubs merch resonates with fans
St. Louis Cardinals
- Second most World Series titles with 11
- Strong baseball history and tradition
- Midwest fanbase stays loyal year after year
San Francisco Giants
- Won 3 World Series from 2010-2014
- Popular in Bay Area and Northern California
- Classic uniform and logo is widely recognized
Atlanta Braves
- Deep fanbase in South/Southeast
- Won 2021 World Series energizing merchandise sales
- Classic logo and popularity of Acuña Jr. jerseys
Houston Astros
- Strong local fanbase in large Houston market
- Post-2017 title success and young talent
- Iconic colors and logo are merchandising stalwarts
Top Selling Individual Player Jerseys
In recent years, individual player jerseys have surged in popularity throughout MLB. Fans increasingly follow and support their favorite stars no matter what team they play for.
Here are some of the players that regularly have top-selling jerseys:
- Mike Trout (Los Angeles Angels) - Best player in baseball, future Hall of Famer
- Mookie Betts (Los Angeles Dodgers) - 5-tool superstar, World Series champ
- Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) - Face of the Yankees, home run king
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres) - Young, charismatic superstar
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Atlanta Braves) - Dynamic young star, high ceiling
- Juan Soto (Washington Nationals) - Best young hitter in MLB
- Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies) - Former MVP, still highly popular
- Nolan Arenado (St. Louis Cardinals) - Best third baseman, great defender
- Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals) - Longtime franchise icon, likely HOFer
- Javier Báez (Detroit Tigers) - Stylish player, magician in the field
No matter which players change teams, get injured, or decline in performance, new young stars emerge each year as top jersey sellers. Mike Trout and a handful of other veterans still sell consistently well. But young talent like Julio Rodriguez, Bo Bichette, and others often resonate in merchandise sales.
Key Factors in Jerseys Sales
There are several important factors that determine how well a team or player's jersey will sell:
- Team success - Winning teams see huge spikes in merchandise sales. Titles and playoff seasons make a major difference.
- Star power - Having big name stars, especially breakout young talents or MVPs, boosts sales.
- Market size - Teams in major markets like New York, Los Angeles and Boston have a built-in advantage.
- Branding - Great logos, uniforms, and marketing campaigns resonate with fans.
- Trends - Younger exciting players and alternate jerseys drive sales through novelty.
- Price - Having jerseys at different price points allows budget flexibility.
MLB teams try to balance these factors by having a range of player jerseys, alternate designs, strong brands, and reasonable pricing. Winning consistently is also the simplest path to merchandise riches.
How Teams Market and Sell Jerseys
Selling tons of jerseys doesn't happen by accident. MLB franchises put great effort into merchandising, promotion, and sales:
- Pump out marketing content and ads with star players in jerseys
- Push jersey promotions and giveaways to create demand
- Time discounts and new jersey releases to key moments like the playoffs
- Foster relationships with major retailers to maximize distribution
- Create special event jerseys like holiday and throwback designs
- Run sales at team stores and online shop to increase volume
- Partner with popular online retailers and auction sites
- Take advantage of trends like custom and vintage jerseys
The most successful teams work year-round to expand their jersey market. Partnerships with retailers and timely promotions are key to driving sales higher.
Jerseys Sales and the MLB Business
Jersey sales may seem somewhat trivial, but they are a significant revenue source and indicator of success for MLB franchises:
- Revenue from jersey sales contributes directly to team's bottom line
- Shows demand for team apparel and ability to meet fan desires
- Quickly reflects shifts in team's on-field performance or popularity
- Significant jersey sales means expanded reach of brand and fans
- Indicator of how well a team's business and marketing is connecting
While MLB has grown into a $10+ billion dollar industry, merchandising is still vital. Jersey sales numbers showcase fan engagement across the league.
Conclusion
The Yankees and Dodgers have consistently been the top sellers of MLB jerseys thanks to their history, branding, and massive fanbases. But plenty of other teams enjoy strong sales especially when winning, marketing their stars well, or tapping into new styles and prices.
Individual player jerseys are taking a larger share of the market as fans follow their favorite stars. Custom jerseys and women's/youth offerings also drive sales. With online shopping making accessing merchandise easy for all fans, jersey revenues will keep flowing into league and team coffers.
