Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger, has built his impressive career with traditional bats. However, even he took notice when the New York Yankees went viral for a remarkable display of power against the Milwaukee Brewers, using a new type of bat designed by a former team employee and MIT physicist. These “torpedo bats” have players across Major League Baseball intrigued.
The Yankees’ power surge, marked by a franchise-record nine home runs in a single game, caught the attention of players and fans alike. YES Network announcer Michael Kay highlighted the innovation, explaining that the Yankees had adjusted the bats to move more wood into the label area, aiming to strike the ball with the bat’s hardest part. The Yankees’ subsequent 20-9 victory and their 12-3 win the following day only fueled interest in these bats, which helped tie an MLB record with 15 home runs over three games.
The Rise of the Torpedo Bat
The torpedo bat’s design, which shifts mass to where players most often make contact, challenges traditional bat construction. This innovation stems from Aaron Leanhardt, an MIT physicist who previously worked with the Yankees and now with the Florida Marlins. Leanhardt’s design aims to increase the number of “barrels” and reduce misses, offering a potential edge in a sport where fractions of an inch can determine success.
Players like Los Angeles Angels infielder Nicky Lopez and others have noticed the growing interest in these bats. “It’s definitely not just the Yankees,” Lopez remarked, noting that the bats are legal under MLB rules. Teams like the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays have also started using them.
Adoption Across the League
Before the 2025 season, awareness of the torpedo bats varied among teams. The Boston Red Sox had experimented with them in spring training, but as games began, they reverted to traditional bats. Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have been researching these bats since last season, with players reporting increased exit velocities.
Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch noted, “The internet has a beautiful way of bringing things to be a big deal.” The bats, though not initially popular, have gained traction as players like San Diego Padres outfielder Brandon Lockridge recall their introduction in minor leagues around 2022.
“His big thing was like, guys that just swing-and-miss by a fraction of an inch, you’re now fouling off, staying alive,” Lockridge said. “Because there’s more barrel there, your mis-hits can be closer to a barrel or maximize that.”
Potential Impact and Skepticism
While some players embrace the new bats, others remain skeptical. Veteran hitters like Aaron Judge continue to succeed with traditional bats, and some worry about pitchers adapting to induce weaker contact. Angels manager Ron Washington, with an old-school mindset, questions the need for such changes.
However, the bats remain within MLB’s regulations, which require a smooth, round stick with specific dimensions. Padres infielder Jake Cronenworth, part of the union’s executive subcommittee, sees no reason not to try them.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the Miami Marlins recently adopted the torpedo bat, hitting a double and a home run in consecutive games. “I feel like it gives you the feeling like you have more to work with,” he said, highlighting the psychological boost it provides, even if the physical advantage is debated.
Looking Ahead
As the torpedo bats gain attention, their future in MLB remains uncertain. While some players and teams embrace the innovation, others remain cautious. The bats’ impact may depend on individual preferences and strategies, but their presence in the league is undeniable.
With players like Chisholm and others experiencing success, the torpedo bats may continue to spread across MLB. Whether they become a staple or a passing trend will unfold as the season progresses.
— The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen, David O’Brien, Matt Gelb, Jen McCaffrey, Dan Hayes, Sahadev Sharma, Britt Ghiroli, and Dennis Lin contributed reporting to this story.
