The New York Yankees are making waves in the world of Major League Baseball (MLB) this season, drawing attention for their impressive offensive performance. Over a span of just three games, the Yankees hit a staggering 15 home runs and racked up 36 runs. This remarkable feat has sparked discussions around the equipment used by some of their players, particularly the newly popular "torpedo bats."
These torpedo bats are gaining traction across the league, but opinions on them are sharply divided. Some players are eager to try out these unique bats, while others express concern about their potential impact on the game. Meanwhile, fans outside of New York have voiced their frustrations regarding the Yankees’ sudden offensive firepower.
Players who have adopted the torpedo bats speak highly of their performance. Yankees’ star player Giancarlo Stanton has come to the bats’ defense, dismissing any claims that his early-season injury was related to using a torpedo bat last year. So, what sets these bats apart from standard baseball bats?
The distinctive shape of a torpedo bat features a thicker barrel near the sweet spot, which then narrows at the top, resembling a bowling pin. Despite their unconventional appearance, these bats comply with MLB regulations and are considered legal for gameplay.
The innovation of the torpedo bat is credited to physicist Aaron Leanhardt, who previously worked as a hitting analyst for the Yankees. He devised the bat after analyzing the swing data of Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe. The data revealed that Volpe frequently made contact with the bat near its label, which is typically less effective for hitting. To enhance his performance, the team designed bats that shifted more wood closer to the label, allowing for stronger connection on swings, as explained by Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay.
Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. shared his thoughts on these bats, noting that the goal is to optimize the bat’s design so players make more effective contact during at-bats.
As the season progresses, several Yankees players, including Volpe and Chisholm, have adopted the torpedo bats. The trend isn’t limited to the Yankees, with players from other teams also exploring the bat’s capabilities.
Here’s a look at some MLB players currently using torpedo bats this season:
- Cody Bellinger, OF, New York Yankees – 1 HR
- Alec Bohm, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies – 0 HR
- Junior Caminero, 3B, Tampa Bay Rays – 0 HR
- Jazz Chisholm Jr., 2B, New York Yankees – 3 HR
- Oneil Cruz, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates – 1 HR
- Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds – 2 HR
- Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, New York Yankees – 1 HR
- Nico Hoerner, 2B, Chicago Cubs – 0 HR
- Ryan Jeffers, C, Minnesota Twins – 0 HR
- Francisco Lindor, SS, New York Mets – 0 HR
- Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles – 2 HR
- Davis Schneider, OF, Toronto Blue Jays – 0 HR
- Dansby Swanson, SS, Chicago Cubs – 2 HR
- Jose Trevino, C, Cincinnati Reds – 0 HR
- Anthony Volpe, SS, New York Yankees – 3 HR
- Austin Wells, C, New York Yankees – 2 HR
One notable performance came from Elly De La Cruz, who hit two home runs and drove in seven runs in a game against the Texas Rangers, all while using a torpedo bat for the first time. De La Cruz expressed his satisfaction with the bat, highlighting how it felt "really good" during the game.
While the Yankees’ usage of torpedo bats has grabbed headlines, various players from different teams have also experimented with them. Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman confirmed his use of a torpedo bat, while players like Davis Schneider from the Blue Jays and Ryan Jeffers from the Twins were spotted using them in games.
Even among teams that have previously experimented with torpedo bats, such as the Chicago Cubs, players like Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner are now utilizing these bats in the current season. Interestingly, images have surfaced showing New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor using a torpedo bat, but his performance has been less than stellar, as he has yet to record a hit this season.
The conversation surrounding torpedo bats is likely to continue as more players show interest in them. Some, like Rhys Hoskins from the Milwaukee Brewers, have even placed orders for their own shipment, while other players are contemplating trying them out in future games.
The debate over whether torpedo bats are the key to the Yankees’ success remains ongoing. During their recent series, five Yankees players utilizing these bats collectively hit nine home runs. However, it’s worth noting that Aaron Judge, who does not use a torpedo bat, also hit four home runs in the same series.
As the season unfolds, the impact of the torpedo bats on the Yankees’ performance and the league as a whole remains to be seen. However, given the current excitement and discussions surrounding them, it’s likely that their presence will grow throughout all MLB clubhouses.
