Yankees break records with controversial torpedo bats
- The New York Yankees scored 20 runs and hit a franchise-record nine home runs against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 30, 2025.
- Their performance was largely credited to the newly designed torpedo bats, developed by Aaron Leanhardt, which conform to MLB regulations.
- The introduction of these bats has sparked controversy within the league, raising questions about fairness and competitive balance.
On Saturday, March 30, 2025, the New York Yankees showcased an impressive offensive performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, scoring 20 runs, a franchise-record nine of which were home runs. This remarkable achievement was largely attributed to their newly designed torpedo bats, which have been in use since last season and were officially confirmed by Major League Baseball (MLB) to conform to league regulations. Developed by Aaron Leanhardt, a former MIT physicist, the torpedo bats feature a unique design that redistributes mass to enhance performance by thickening the sweet spot where players most often make contact with the ball. Players like Anthony Volpe, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt all hit home runs during this game, showcasing the effectiveness of the new bat design. Despite the Yankees' success, the introduction of the torpedo bats has sparked controversy in the league, particularly among players and analysts. Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Trevor Megill openly criticized the new bats, suggesting they resemble something used in slow-pitch softball and questioning their legitimacy and fairness. This sentiment was echoed throughout the baseball community, with players discussing how the bat's design could potentially shift the competitive balance within the league. The Yankees, however, firmly believe in the science behind the bats, with Leanhardt explaining that the goal was to produce a bat that maximizes contact efficiency. MLB regulations outline that bats cannot exceed certain dimensions, a requirement the torpedo bats meet, leading many to believe they comply with the rules. Players such as Aaron Judge, who continued to use a traditional bat, disproved the notion that the Yankees’ success was solely due to their new equipment. Fans and analysts remain divided on the matter, some viewing the bats as a clever innovation while others consider them a questionable advantage. As the Yankees continue to dominate with these bats, future games may give further insight into their true impact on the league and performance metrics. Looking ahead, the reactions from both players and fans will likely shape discussions surrounding bat designs and their implications for the sport. As teams evaluate the Yankees' early-season success using torpedo bats, it is conceivable that other clubs may begin to adopt similar technologies, making this an evolving storyline in the 2025 Major League Baseball season.