The 2025 MLB season has seen an unexpected phenomenon take the baseball world by storm: the so-called ‘torpedo bat.’ Its distinctive shape, first spotted during the New York Yankees’ opening day game, has sparked a heated debate among players, fans, and commentators alike.
The Yankees’ impressive showing, including a nine-home-run performance in their second game, only fueled the controversy. With more players adopting the torpedo bat, pitchers have voiced their concerns. However, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently offered his perspective on the matter, stating in an interview with the New York Times that the bats are perfectly legal. He downplayed the significance of the fuss, suggesting that the intense reaction highlights baseball’s unique cultural impact.
Manfred pointed out that adjusting the sweet spot on bats is a common practice among players and emphasized that the focus on the torpedo bats overshadows other important aspects of the game, such as declining ratings and attendance. This perspective has not been universally accepted, however. Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins, in an interview on OutKick’s “The Ricky Cobb Show,” offered a contrasting viewpoint.
Jenkins argued that the current rules heavily favor hitters, citing rule changes like the implementation of a clock and larger bases. He believes that the torpedo bat, with its increased hitting surface, is another advantage that further shifts the balance in favor of batters, potentially leading to higher batting averages and longer hits. He even predicted a widespread adoption of the bat across all teams before the All-Star break.
The debate surrounding the torpedo bat has certainly injected excitement into the early part of the season. Whether this excitement translates into increased viewership and attendance remains to be seen. Regardless, the bat’s impact on the game and the passionate discussion it has generated are undeniable. It’s a fascinating case study in the evolution of baseball equipment and the enduring appeal of the sport itself.
