On Opening Day, 2025, YES Network viewers noticed an unusual look in Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s bat. It was nothing like your typical bat. The top of it looked more like a bowling pin. This is because it was one of the new so-called “torpedo bats” — a bat with a brand-new totally rewritten appearance for extreme performance.
Designed by Aaron Leanhardt, a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) physicist and ex-Yankees scout, the bat shifts most of its weight towards the hands rather than the barrel’s end. What is the effect of this? Form a thicker handle and a look that actually does resemble a torpedo. According to Leanhardt, the idea is to maximize distribution of mass, reduce jammed hits, and transfer more energy to the ball especially upon impact closer to the label.
And sure enough they are legal.
Although the torpedo bat has not yet been officially proven to benefit hitters, its first-time use has indeed made some waves. For example, the Yankees just hit nine home runs in a single game — a record that fans and critics alike are now linking with this new model of bat.
At LHS, opinions are divided on the bat. Steven D’Antonio, a retired athlete and now US Government teacher, sees the innovation as an organic evolution of the game.
“Like with another sport, you innovate — like golf clubs. They used to be made of wood, now it’s aluminum and titanium. No problem, provided it’s not exclusive,” D’Antonio said.
But others are not.
Brett Hendricks, a former Division I college baseball player and Spanish teacher, was concerned about how quickly the trend is moving.
“It’s a trend. I think MLB’s gonna do something this offseason to keep them in check a little bit. It’s within the rules, but I’m not a fan of homers. I think it’s so new that MLB doesn’t know what to do,” Hendricks said.
That is an argument many traditionalists would signoff on.
Not everybody believes the torpedo bat actually does make a difference, however. Popular YouTube series “The Baseball Bat Bros” tested it out and found that it just has a lighter swing weight, not a game-changer.
Their take-away? Holding the barrel closer to the hands might feel different, but it doesn’t guarantee bigger results at the plate.
And what about the official word? MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently stated the bats are “absolutely good for baseball.” Not exactly the most inflammatory view he’s expressed—particularly compared to his rule alterations such as pitch clocks and expanded bases.
Are torpedo bats the future? Or simply a flash-in-the-pan fad? Time will only tell, but one thing’s certain: they’ve already caused a splash.
