The New York Yankees have been making waves with their unconventional “torpedo” bat, drawing criticism from various quarters. In response, infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. took to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday to set the record straight.
Chisholm explained, “The barrel is bigger and within MLB regulations. For those saying it’s moved to the label, you’re wrong! No one is trying to get jammed; the wood just gets shifted from the unused parts to the areas that are actually used! No more stress, y’all!”
Several Yankees players, including Chisholm, have embraced this unique bat design, which bears a resemblance to a jumbo plastic bat. And it’s been working wonders. The team exploded offensively during their season-opening series against the Milwaukee Brewers, scoring 36 runs, including a jaw-dropping 20-run performance. Their offense has been nearly unstoppable, leading MLB in home runs (15), slugging percentage (.804), RBIs (35), and total bases (82).
The concept behind the bat was simple: based on the idea that most hitters make contact closer to the bat’s label, the Yankees and their analytics team decided to shift the wood to the label area. This adjustment has paid off for players like Anthony Volpe, who hit .243 with 12 home runs last season. After using the new bat during spring training, Volpe has already hit two home runs in the team’s first three games.
However, not everyone is impressed. Brewers reliever Trevor Megill voiced his skepticism, calling it “something used in slow-pitch softball.” He conceded that while it might seem “bush league,” it was “genius” for its focus on mass distribution in one area.
Still, the bat isn’t universally approved in the Yankees’ clubhouse. While Chisholm, Volpe, and outfielder Cody Bellinger have embraced the torpedo, two-time MVP Aaron Judge has stuck with his traditional bat. Despite this, Judge has already tied for the most home runs in MLB with four, proving that the unconventional bat might be just one part of the Yankees’ explosive offense.
Though opposing pitchers may find it frustrating, it seems there’s little they can do but adapt to the new approach and the players swinging these innovative bats.
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