Baseball season is back, and so are the Bronx Bombers — blasting their way into the headlines behind a new weapon: Torpedo Bats. After tying an MLB record with 15 home runs in their first three games, including a franchise-best nine homers in a 20-9 win over the Brewers, the New York Yankees have put the spotlight squarely on this revolutionary bat design.
What Are Torpedo Bats?
Torpedo bats are a cutting-edge innovation that reshapes the traditional baseball bat into a more customized and performance-driven tool. Unlike standard models, torpedo bats feature a redistributed barrel that moves more mass closer to the hitter’s hands, mimicking the shape of a torpedo. This customization aligns the bat’s “sweet spot” — the optimal hitting zone — with each player’s unique swing profile.
“The concept is all about putting the weight where you make the most contact,” said YES Network’s Michael Kay. For Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, that meant shifting the thickest part of the barrel closer to the label. Teammates Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Austin Wells have also adopted torpedo bats.
“It doesn’t feel like a different bat,” Chisholm said after a two-homer performance Sunday. “It just feels like you have more to work with.”
Who Created the Torpedo Bat?
The torpedo bat was developed by MIT physicist Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt, during his time as an analyst for the Yankees. Leanhardt, now with the Miami Marlins, said the idea emerged from conversations with hitters seeking better contact and control.
“It’s about making the bat as fat and heavy as possible where you’re trying to do damage,” Leanhardt told The Athletic. “We’re taking excess weight from the tip and repositioning it into the sweet spot.”
Why Torpedo Bats Are Catching On
While the Yankees have become the face of the torpedo bat movement, they’re not alone. Players from the Twins, Rays, Orioles, and even the Braves are experimenting with the custom lumber.
“I think all 30 teams have at least one guy trying something like this,” said Orioles hitting coach Cody Asche, via MLB.com. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported during Sunday Night Baseball that the Braves placed an order for torpedo bats after witnessing the Yankees’ home run barrage.
Notably, Aaron Judge remains loyal to his traditional bat — and still managed to smash four homers over the weekend. “Why try to change something?” Judge said.
Are Torpedo Bats Legal?
Despite their futuristic design, torpedo bats are legal under MLB Rule 3.02, which states a bat must be a smooth, round stick made of one piece of solid wood, no longer than 42 inches and no wider than 2.61 inches at its thickest point. Manufacturers must also gain MLB approval before introducing experimental designs.
As long as torpedo bats comply with these specifications, they’re fair game.
Mixed Reactions on Torpedo Bats From Around Major League Baseball
Not everyone is sold on the torpedo bat. Brewers reliever Trevor Megill called them “terrible,” telling the New York Post, “It might be bush league. But it’s the Yankees, so they’ll let it slide.”
Padres star Manny Machado took a more humorous tone: “They should send a few over here if they’re gonna be hitting homers like that.”
Cedric Mullins of the Orioles acknowledged the trend’s momentum: “Pitching keeps getting better, so hitters are looking for any edge. It’s an interesting concept that’s spreading fast.”
What’s Next for Torpedo Bats?
After their explosive opening weekend, the Yankees have made a strong case for the effectiveness of torpedo bats. If the trend continues, this innovation could redefine offense across the league — and put single-season home run records in jeopardy.
With teams like the Braves and Orioles joining the movement, the question isn’t whether torpedo bats will stick — it’s how far they’ll take the game.
– Full New York Yankees Coverage and Updates from FingerLakes1.com
This content is brought to you by the FingerLakes1.com Team. Support our mission by visiting www.patreon.com/fl1 or learn how you send us your local content here.