The Rise of Torpedo Bats: A New Era in Baseball?
April 2, 2025, 11:35 AM ET – Tristan H. Cockcroft
Baseball fans, gather around because we have something truly extraordinary to discuss. On March 29, the New York Yankees made history by hitting a franchise-record nine home runs in a single game. But that’s not all; they became the first team in MLB history to homer on the first three pitches they saw. This incredible feat didn’t just leave the Milwaukee Brewers’ team ERA in shambles; it also sent shockwaves through the fantasy baseball community. The buzzword on everyone’s lips? Torpedo bats.
Yes, you heard it right. Torpedo bats are the latest trend, and they’re taking the baseball world by storm. So far, 13 different hitters have been reported to be regularly using these innovative bats, which are designed to bring much of the barrel closer to the label or sweet spot of the bat. This tweak in bat construction is believed to elevate a player’s quality of contact, and the results have been nothing short of impressive.
Let’s take a closer look at the players who have embraced this new technology. The list includes some big names: Cody Bellinger, Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Paul Goldschmidt, Nico Hoerner, Ryan Jeffers, Francisco Lindor, Adley Rutschman, Davis Schneider, Dansby Swanson, Jose Trevino, Anthony Volpe, and Austin Wells.
These players have shown a marked change in offensive production, slugging 84 points higher this year than in 2024 (from .406 to .490). They’ve also raised their average launch angle by more than three full degrees (13.7-16.9), posted a home run/fly ball percentage more than four percentage points higher (9.5%-13.9%), and averaged more than eight feet greater distance on their average fly balls hit (314.4-322.7).
But before we get too carried away, let’s remember the standard “small sample size” caveat. The Yankees’ explosive performance on March 29 was certainly eye-catching, but it’s essential to consider the context. The weather in New York that day was unusual, with temperatures ranging from 78-81 degrees and 15-mph winds blowing out slightly to the right of dead-center field. This likely contributed to the power outburst.
Moreover, not all the home runs that day were hit with torpedo bats. Yankees stars Aaron Judge and Oswald Peraza, as well as Brice Turang of the Brewers, all homered without using the new bats. This suggests that the weather and Brewers starter Nestor Cortes‘s struggles may have played a significant role.
When we remove the Yankees from the equation, the numbers tell a different story. The remaining players have a .404 slugging percentage with the new bats, which is actually two points below their 2024 number. However, they have registered a 4.4% HR rate, up from 3.1% in 2024, and their boosts in terms of average fly ball distance and HR/FB rate suggest that these bats do offer some advantage in terms of contact quality and distance.
So, what does this mean for fantasy managers? While it’s tempting to jump on the torpedo bat bandwagon, it’s crucial to exercise caution. The early statistical returns are intriguing, but they should be taken with a grain of salt. The Yankees’ performance on March 29 was exceptional, but it may not be indicative of a broader trend.
For those looking to capitalize on this new trend, consider targeting players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Adley Rutschman. Chisholm has shown an elevated launch angle since joining the Yankees, and Yankee Stadium’s short right field porch could be the perfect environment for him. Rutschman, on the other hand, has historically excelled against fastballs and could emerge as 2025’s top fantasy catcher.
As for players who haven’t yet adopted torpedo bats, keep an eye on Jonathan India, Andrew Vaughn, and Taylor Ward. These players have a history of mashing fastballs and could benefit from the new bat technology if they choose to make the switch.
On the pitching side, it’s too early to make any drastic moves. However, if torpedo bats become more widespread, pitchers who rely heavily on fastballs and fly balls, such as Zac Gallen, Tyler Glasnow, Ryne Nelson, Andre Pallante, and Justin Steele, could face challenges.
In conclusion, while torpedo bats are generating a lot of buzz, it’s essential to approach this trend with a balanced perspective. The potential for increased home run totals and offensive production is there, but it’s crucial to consider the context and avoid overreacting to early-season statistics. As always, stay informed, keep an eye on the trends, and make strategic decisions in your fantasy leagues.
Originally Written by: Tristan H. Cockcroft
