The so-called “torpedo bat” has generated debate in the 2025 Major League Baseball season. Its unconventional design, with a more extended barrel area toward the grip and a thinner top, seeks to move the ideal contact point downward, which some hitters find advantageous for generating greater power and accuracy.
The device, approved by MLB, began to become popular after its use by players of the New York Yankees, and has been adopted by players of other franchises.
Immediate impact
Dominican Elly De La Cruz had a spectacular debut with the bullpen: he went 4 for 5 with 2 homers and 7 RBIs in the Cincinnati Reds’ 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers.
“It feels good. It feels really good,” he said after the game.
In the first games of the season, other ballplayers who also used this bat and connected home runs include:
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (.417 AVG, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 1.167 SLG)
Cody Bellinger (.400 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
Paul Goldschmidt (.417 AVG, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
Anthony Volpe (.167 AVG, 2 HR, 4 RBI)
Jake Bauers (Brewers) (.400 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI)
They give their opinion
Not everyone is convinced of the torpedo bat. The Padres’ Manny Machado prefers to stick with the traditional:
“I’ve had the same bat for 15 years – why change now?”
His colleague Luis Arráez is also cautious:
“I ordered a few to try out, but I’m not one to change bats just like that.”
On the other hand, Jackson Merrill expressed that the important thing is that it is legal:
If you want to use it, go ahead. It's your decision
Jackson Merrill
Who developed it?
Buzzy
The torpedo bat was developed by Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt, MIT physicist and current outfield coordinator for the Miami Marlins.
He previously worked with the Yankees and designed the bat to improve the contact angle of ballplayers, following studies with players such as Anthony Volpe.
Leanhardt clarifies:
“It’s not just about the bat, it’s about the training and the daily commitment of the players.”
For Hispanic fans, this innovation opens the debate on the balance between technology and tradition in baseball.
While some are embracing it enthusiastically, others are sticking to their classic tools. What is certain is that the torpedo bat has already made its mark in MLB 2025.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
