The New York Yankees’ fascination with “torpedo bats” reached its peak over the weekend. During their three-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers, the Yankees unleashed a power surge, smashing 15 home runs. On Saturday, YES Network broadcaster Michael Kay noted that Jazz Chisholm was using an Anthony Volpe model bat, designed with a weight distribution that shifts slightly closer to the bat’s center.
These “torpedo bats” aren’t entirely new—Yankees center fielder Cody Bellinger, who was traded from the Chicago Cubs in December, revealed that the Cubs were already experimenting with them in 2024. “We all saw the bat and thought, ‘What is this thing?'” Bellinger told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. “It’s really unique. I think it’s had more success and refinements since last year.” If nothing else, the buzz surrounding them has certainly grown.
During Sunday’s San Diego Padres game, third baseman Manny Machado, who was mic’d up, was asked about the bats by Karl Ravech. “They should send some over here if they’re hitting home runs like that,” Machado quipped. His wish may come true, as multiple reports on Monday suggested rising demand for the modified bats.
The design is credited to Aaron Leanhardt, currently the Miami Marlins’ field coordinator, who transitioned from academia to baseball, joining the Yankees’ staff in 2018. Leanhardt told The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty that the industry took notice last year, leading to a surge in interest during the offseason.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, nine of the Yankees’ 15 home runs came from players using the new bats, including Jazz Chisholm Jr. (three), Anthony Volpe (two), Austin Wells (two), Bellinger (one), and Paul Goldschmidt (one).
While the bats are generating excitement, former Reds and Nationals general manager Jim Bowden cautioned on MLB Network Radio that they may not be suited for all players. However, he praised the analytics-driven approach of customizing bats based on where each hitter makes contact, calling it “brilliant” and “genius.”