The New York Yankees have been the center of attention in Major League Baseball after their historic power surge to start the 2025 season. With 15 home runs in their first three games, the Bronx Bombers are living up to their name like never before. However, much of the conversation has revolved around their so-called “torpedo bats”—a new bat design that has sparked controversy across the league.
While some believe these bats are the secret behind the Yankees’ dominance, general manager Brian Cashman has finally broken his silence, making it clear that there’s more to their success than just the bats.
Cashman Addresses the ‘Torpedo Bat’ Controversy
Speaking to reporters, Cashman dismissed the idea that the Yankees’ early-season dominance is solely due to their new bats. “Everyone’s making a big deal about these bats, but at the end of the day, it’s the players who are making the difference,” Cashman said. “If the bats were the magic ingredient, then every team would be hitting like this. The reality is that our guys are putting in the work, and their talent is shining through.”
This statement comes in response to widespread speculation that the torpedo bats—designed by a former MIT physicist—are giving Yankees hitters an unfair advantage. The bats feature a denser barrel that is supposed to increase the chances of making solid contact. However, Cashman insists that their effectiveness is being overstated.
A Historic Start to the Season
Regardless of the debate, the Yankees’ performance has been nothing short of spectacular. Their season opener against the Milwaukee Brewers saw catcher Austin Wells make history as the first catcher to hit a leadoff home run on Opening Day. The power display continued throughout the series, with Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, and others contributing to a record-setting barrage of home runs.
The Yankees’ second game of the season was even more jaw-dropping. They became the first team in MLB history to hit home runs on the first three pitches of a game, with Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge all going deep in succession. Judge went on to smash three home runs in that game alone, including a grand slam, as the Yankees set a franchise record with nine homers in a single contest.
More Than Just a Bat
Despite the ongoing debate about the torpedo bats, Yankees players themselves remain divided on whether the design is making a significant difference. Cody Bellinger admitted that the bat feels “lighter” and provides a better margin for error, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. compared it to a placebo effect, suggesting that the bat’s influence might be more mental than mechanical.
Meanwhile, other teams are taking notice. The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies have already begun acquiring similar bats, while the Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays reportedly have players experimenting with them as well.
The Yankees’ Message to the League
While the Yankees’ historic power surge continues to fuel controversy, Cashman’s message is clear: talent, preparation, and execution are what truly separate the Yankees from the rest of the league. If the torpedo bats were truly a game-changer, Cashman argues, then every team would already be using them.
“At the end of the day, great hitters find a way to succeed,” he said. “You can give an average hitter the best bat in the world, but it won’t turn him into Aaron Judge.”
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