A major storyline early in the 2025 MLB season revolves around the New York Yankees’ use of “torpedo” bats. In their first two games, the team launched 11 home runs, with nine coming in a dominant victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday. AL MVP frontrunner Aaron Judge contributed three of those homers.
Leading the league in home runs after the opening weekend, the Yankees’ unconventional bats have sparked discussion. The team introduced “experimental” equipment that redistributes weight from the barrel to other areas, giving the bats a distinct look. This unique design quickly drew attention.
During Saturday’s broadcast, New York commentator Michael Kay explained the reasoning behind the change. He noted that the Yankees’ analytics team studied Anthony Volpe’s hitting tendencies and found that he often made contact near the label rather than the barrel. As a result, they designed bats with extra weight in the label area to maximize impact, allowing hitters to wait slightly longer before swinging.
MLB regulations permit weight redistribution as long as the barrel does not exceed 2.61 inches in diameter and the bat remains within the 42-inch length limit. The Yankees’ bats comply with these rules.
However, not everyone is on board with the innovation. Milwaukee pitcher Trevor Megill voiced his disapproval, suggesting the bats resemble something from slow-pitch softball. While acknowledging the ingenuity of concentrating mass in a specific area, he expressed skepticism about their fairness, believing MLB will allow it because of the Yankees’ status.
Megill’s frustration only grew on Sunday, as Aaron Judge homered again in the series finale—his fourth long ball in less than 24 hours.
As long as the Yankees keep launching home runs, their new bats will remain a topic of debate. They extended their MLB lead on Sunday, bringing their season total to 14 and counting.
Meanwhile, Trevor Megill has been frustrated watching his team get overpowered by the Bronx Bombers. However, he doesn’t anticipate any rule changes coming anytime soon!
