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4w ago

Torpedo Bats Reshape MLB as Teams Rush to Adopt Game-Changing Design

Following the Yankees' record-breaking home run performance, nearly every MLB team is experimenting with the bats, sparking debates on their impact and fueling surging demand.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (with ball) stretched but was unable to get a first down on a tush push play during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams last season.
Image
Torpedo baseball bats are displayed at Victus Sports in King of Prussia, Pa.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz rests a torpedo-shaped bat on his shoulder between pitches during a fourth-inning at-bat against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday in Cincinnati. Using the bat the previous night, De La Cruz had four hits and seven RBIs.

Overview

  • The Yankees' use of torpedo bats led to a record-breaking nine home runs in a single game during MLB's opening weekend, drawing league-wide attention.
  • The bats, designed by former Yankees analyst Aaron Leanhardt, shift the barrel's mass to optimize contact and have been confirmed as legal under MLB regulations.
  • Manufacturers are facing production challenges as nearly all MLB teams have placed orders for the bats, with demand tripling in just a week.
  • Players and analysts remain divided on the bats' long-term impact, with some predicting improved batting averages while others view them as a passing trend.
  • Betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings have embraced the trend, offering special betting categories for players using torpedo bats.