Diamond Baseball Necklaces Are Taking Over MLB Style—Here’s Why
Discover how MLB players are turning the baseball necklace into a statement of style and power as the 2025 World Series approaches.
Updated: October 10, 2025
Written by: Brandon Borror-Chappell
If you love baseball and love all the elements of watching the ball zip back and forth between the players, seeing it explode out of the pitcher’s hand at impossible speeds, and zooming from the mound to the catcher’s mitt like an electron jumping from atom to atom, then you will appreciate the power of a baseball necklace. These unique accessories capture the energy, excitement, and love of the game.
And how genius that the beautiful game of baseball is played on…a diamond. The gemology of baseball continues: A diamond is the hardest mineral in the world. Hitting a round ball with a round bat is the hardest task in sports, as the point of contact between the two is minuscule. As hard as it is, these guys are really good at it, and over nine innings, somebody’s going to get on base.
That is why it is so fitting that jewelry, specifically the baseball necklace, has become a mainstay on the field. A baseball necklace, usually a diamond chain of various sizes and often with a pendant hanging off of it, is seen as a badge of honor among players. We will definitely see it all over the upcoming 2025 World Series later this month.
Meet the Expert
- Josh Peskowitz‘s experience spans both editorial and retail.
- After serving as Bloomingdale’s men’s fashion director, Peskowitz opened his own menswear shop, Magasin.
- His writing has appeared in The New York Times, GQ Style, Esquire’s Big Black Book, GQ Style Germany, and Fantastic Man, and more.
Whether subtle or extravagant, each baseball necklace makes a statement on the diamond. Ahead is a look at why these baseball necklaces, specifically diamond chains and pendants, are worn by some of the most notable athletes in MLB and the reasoning behind it.
Why MLB Players Love a Baseball Necklace
These diamond baseball necklaces not only symbolize style but also represent the players’ passion for the game of baseball and unlike other professional sports, Major League Baseball players are permitted to wear jewelry, including diamonds, on the field. A diamond baseball necklace adds flair and style, making a statement both on and off the field.
Josh Peskowitz says, “Most of these are young guys who are wearing uniforms that tend to feel like retro compared to other sports so having the freedom to wear a personalized chain allows them to show some personality, as long as they don’t impede performance. In the end, these guys are elite athletes and competitors, so there’s a desire to one up other players with the complexity of the chains. You often seen this in the link because big pendants are inadvisable on the field.”
The significance of a baseball necklace extends beyond aesthetics, often becoming a part of a player’s identity. Baseball players are a superstitious bunch. In a game so consistently defined by failure, they cannot thank or blame themselves when things go either well or awry. Ultimately, a baseball necklace is more than just jewelry; it embodies the spirit of the game. They outsource some of the agency to the baseball gods, whose talismans can appease.
Baseball Necklace Styles Worn by MLB Players
From home-run pendants to personalized diamond-studded necklaces, MLB players are turning jewelry into a statement of performance. Natural diamonds have become symbols of their grit, superstition, and success — each piece telling a story about who they are both on and off the field. Whether it’s Fernando Tatis Jr.’s custom chain catching the stadium lights or Mookie Betts’ diamond-encrusted number pendant, these athletes prove that diamonds are more than accessories — they’re part of the game.
Manny Machado’s Baseball Necklace Showcases His Unique Flair on the Field
Manny Machado is the 30-year-old third baseman for the San Diego Padres, who played a close game against the Philadelphia Phillies to be one step closer to the 2022 World Series trophy; the Phillies took the win with Bryce Harper’s home run. When Manny first joined the league, he was bedazzled by a unique chain of strung-together globes encrusted in diamonds. His necklace was a bit too long, too light, and a bit flashier than it was useful; a criticism that dogged Machado during his early seasons in the league.
Since then, he has matured and has become a defensive rock at third while continuing to improve his offensive output. This maturation is reflected in his neck bling, as he has swapped in a heavy diamond-encrusted Miami Cuban link chain that rests comfortably on his jersey while he plucks 120 mph line drives out of the air.
Yoenis Cespedes Rocks Diamond-Encrusted Pendants
Yoenis Cespedes often sported a baseball necklace during his time in the MLB, highlighting his style. Cespedes is a shockingly talented Cuban-born left fielder who spent five seasons with the New York Mets, helping propel them to their 2015 World Series appearance with his cannon arm and power hitting. On the field, Cespedes wore a rotation of unique chains, including one with a giant 52 pendant (his jersey number) fully encrusted in natural diamonds.
A separate chain composed of diamond-encrusted links infamously broke apart during a slide into second base, scattering diamonds across the infield. As were his diamonds that day, Cespedes is a bit all over the place – while recovering from reparative heel surgery, he dodged a wild boar charging him at his Florida ranch but stepped into a hole and fractured his ankle. He hasn’t played in the MLB since 2020, but hopefully, as his teammate gathered up the diamonds from the infield, Yoenis can pick up the pieces and return next season.
Miguel Rojas is Leading the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambras Baseball Necklace Trend
Who says your diamonds have to be big and bold? Men who are confident in themselves and their talent can pull off delicate jewelry. Plus, the fact that the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra represents fortune and good luck doesn’t hurt to have out on the field. The 10-motif vintage Alhambra has been seen all over stadium fields this past season and on multiple players, including LA Dodgers shortstop Michael Rojas, who wears it religiously.
He even has matching onyx Sweet Alhambras earrings. “The Van Cleef trend is interesting because (while I would definitely wear one) the arabesque chain is considered a women’s piece. but it’s short, it’s lightweight, and has unbelievable craftsmanship, so it kind of checks all the boxes that an MLB player would want,” says Peskowitz.
Tampa Bay Rays infielder Junior Caminero is also on the Van Cleef train, as he has the 10-motif Alhambra as well as bracelets, and Texas Rangers player Joc Pederson owns several of the necklaces and has been wearing the brand for years. This trend of wearing a baseball necklace reflects a deeper connection to the sport.
Fernando Tatis Jr. Sports Hermès Diamonds in His Baseball Necklace
Fernando Tatis Jr.’s baseball necklace stands out for its distinct design and elegance. This incredible piece moves on the field like my cat chasing a moth through my living room. I hope that doesn’t sound diminutive, because watching my cat hunt a moth is awe-inspiring.
Nicknamed “El Niño,” Tatis Jr. is an acrobat, pulling off impossible leaping catches, tagging runners out while descending into full splits, and dodging tags of flabbergasted opponents who never imagined a human being to be capable of such contortions.
Similarly hard to believe is the pendant he wore during the 2021 All-Star week: a Hermès chain decked out in 75 carats of diamonds, crowned by the face of a baby atop the words “El Niño,” a combo encrusted in 25 more carats of diamonds. It was as fun to see him wearing it as it was to watch him play; he plays with the spirit of a gleeful young boy.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and His Numerical Black Diamond Pendant Necklace
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., or “Vladdy,” is a slugger and first baseman for the Toronto Blue Jays with a big, jolly smile and an even bigger black diamond pendant in a high concept configuration of his jersey number 27. Vladdy is a defensive wall at first base. It has come through time and again in clutch offensive moments to keep games alive for his team: the same way he is keeping the game alive for the next generation with his VG27 foundation.
This nonprofit organization aims to support vulnerable children and their families through education and sport. Every player adds to the legend of the number they wear; Vladdy goes the extra mile to make sure what he represents makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Aaron Judge Prefers a Classic Baseball Necklace
Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees can’t help but be flashy, as he is both an oak tree of a man and a devoted apostle of the church of absolutely smashing baseballs into orbit.
He is notoriously shy of the spotlight, which was shining on him most intensely this past season as he chased the regular-season home run record set by Roger Maris back in 1961. Aaron wears a classic Figaro link silver chain, which gives him stability and simply presents the player himself as a shiny object to behold.
Aaron, now that you’ve etched your name onto the list of all-time greats, maybe it’s time to add something shinier around that neck?
Mookie Betts Layers Sentimental Charms
Each baseball necklace represents a unique blend of style and sportsmanship. Mookie Betts currently plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Mookie was drafted out of high school to the Red Sox organization and has blossomed into a full-blown superstar.
Mookie wears a heavy gold Figaro link chain. Heavier is better because the weight prevents the chain from flying around too much and interfering with Mookie while he smashes doubles and home runs, steals bases, and robs his opponents of hits with his stellar outfield defense.
But Mookie didn’t stop at just the chain: back when he was with the Red Sox, a young fan gifted him an acrylic pendant of a bat and a ball. Okay, obviously this is no diamond, and can be yours for the low price of $11.97 – but it does house supernatural lucky charm powers, or at least Mookie thinks it does, which is powerful enough.
