MLB Commissioner Backs New Torpedo Bats Amid Controversy
As the 2025 MLB season unfolds, a new sporting tool known as the torpedo bat has ignited conversations among fans and sports analysts alike. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has recently endorsed these bats, which were first brought to attention during the New York Yankees’ opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Emergence of Torpedo Bats
The torpedo bats gained significant visibility following the Yankees’ impressive performance, where they smashed nine home runs during their second game of the season. This powerful display has led to increased scrutiny and excitement surrounding these innovative bats.
New York Yankees’ Anthony Volpe uses a torpedo bat in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers, March 29, 2025, in New York.
Commissioner Manfred’s Perspective
In a recent discussion with the New York Times, Commissioner Manfred expressed his view that the ongoing debate about the torpedo bats exemplifies baseball’s deep-rooted cultural significance. “I believe that issues like the torpedo bat and the debate around it demonstrate the fact that baseball still occupies a unique place in our culture, because people get into a complete frenzy over something that’s really nothing at the end of the day. The bats comply with the rules,” he stated.
Manfred acknowledged that players have long experimented with bat designs and highlighted how discussions around gameplay innovations contribute to the sport’s popularity, particularly in terms of viewer ratings and stadium attendance.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Views from Baseball Legends
The conversation around torpedo bats has also captured the attention of former players. Baseball Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins recently shared his insights during an interview on OutKick’s “The Ricky Cobb Show.” He reflected on the historical evolution of the game, saying, “Well, when you look back at the game when I played in the ‘60s, ’70s, ’80s, the pitcher was pretty much dominant, and now we are like second-class citizens. Everything has been done for the hitter.”
Jenkins elaborated that the enhancements made to the game, including the rules and equipment changes favoring hitters, make tools like the torpedo bats particularly advantageous for today’s players. “There is more of a hitting surface for the hitter, and I think it might increase the batting average a little bit, but you will get a better piece of wood on the ball and the ball will maybe travel a little further,” he explained.
The Future of Torpedo Bats in MLB
As more players opt for the torpedo bats, Jenkins predicts their widespread adoption across teams, suggesting, “I can believe before the All-Star break every ball club is going to have a half-dozen hitters using that torpedo bat.” The continuing dialogue around these bats illustrates their potential impact on the game moving forward.
Torpedo baseball bats on display at Victus Sports in King of Prussia, Pa., on April 2, 2025.
In summary, the discussion around torpedo bats encapsulates a broader conversation about the balance of power between pitchers and hitters in Major League Baseball. As the season progresses, the outcomes of this debate will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike.
