YANKEE’S NEW “TORPEDO” BATS CREATE A STIR AMID 9-HOMER BARRAGE
by: Victor Suarez
The New York Yankees’ recent nine-home run barrage has sparked a league-wide conversation about their new “Torpedo” bats. These bats, featuring a modified barrel with a larger sweet spot closer to the hitter’s hands, are designed to address players’ tendency to hit the ball off the label rather than the barrel.
Anthony Volpe showcased the difference between his old and new bats, emphasizing the logic behind the design. Players like Cody Bellinger and Austin Wells are also using these bats, which have been confirmed to be legal by Major League Baseball.1 The innovation is attributed to former Yankees analyst Aaron Leanhardt.2
While Giancarlo Stanton has vaguely attributed elbow injuries to “bat adjustments,” the “Torpedo” bats are gaining attention.3 Bellinger noted the improved weight distribution and larger margin for error. Nestor Cortes, who surrendered several homers to “Torpedo” users, remains unfazed.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone likened the bat selection to golfers choosing clubs, emphasizing the team’s focus on marginal gains.4 However, he clarified that the team isn’t forcing the bats on players. Aaron Judge, for example, has opted to stick with his current bat.5
Volpe believes the bats offer a mental edge, even if it’s just a placebo effect. The “Torpedo” bats have generated significant buzz, with players from other teams inquiring about them. While their long-term impact remains to be seen, they represent the constant evolution of baseball equipment and the use of analytics to optimize performance.
