Some MLB fans are questioning whether the New York Yankees’ so-called “torpedo bats” give them an unfair advantage, but the reality is that these innovative bats are neither new nor exclusive to the team.
Yankees’ Offensive Explosion Sparks Controversy
The Yankees made a statement to open the 2025 season, dismantling the Milwaukee Brewers in a three-game sweep. However, what truly turned heads was their overwhelming display of power at the plate. Over the final two games of the series, the Bronx Bombers erupted for 32 runs and 12 home runs, leaving many wondering how their offense became so dominant.
While the Yankees were expected to field a strong lineup, their performance exceeded all expectations. The answer behind their offensive outburst emerged on Sunday—many of the home runs came off a revolutionary bat design, dubbed the “torpedo bat,” developed by a former MIT physicist on the Yankees’ staff.
The revelation quickly fueled speculation, with some rival fans questioning whether the bats violate MLB regulations.
Are the Yankees’ ‘Torpedo Bats’ Illegal?
Despite the skepticism, the answer is simple: No, the Yankees’ bats are not illegal.
As reported by Yahoo Sports, MLB regulations set clear parameters for bat construction:
- Bats must be no longer than 42 inches and no thicker than 2.61 inches in diameter.
- They must be made from solid wood with a cup no deeper than one inch at the tip.
The Yankees’ bats meet all these criteria, making them perfectly legal for gameplay.
While some fans remain critical, players across the league have praised the design. Brewers reliever Trevor Megill called the concept “genius,” comparing it to bats used in slow-pitch softball. Meanwhile, Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes shrugged off the controversy, recalling that teammates had already been using the bat last season.
‘Torpedo Bats’ Have Been Around Longer Than Fans Think
This new technology isn’t exclusive to the Yankees—nor is it brand new. Yankees prospect Jasson Domínguez recently revealed that Giancarlo Stanton used the bat late last season, which could help explain his strong postseason performance in 2024.
Additionally, the Yankees aren’t the only team experimenting with it. Los Angeles Angels infielder Nicky Lopez disclosed that the Chicago Cubs had been testing the bats during spring training, and he believes more teams will follow suit.
“It seems like it’s making its way around MLB. It’s definitely not just the Yankees,” Lopez told The Athletic. “I think we’re gonna see more people use it—it’s legal under MLB rules. It just moves the sweet spot down, so those balls you get jammed on are finding barrels.”
A League-Wide Trend in the Making?
With multiple teams adopting the bat, it’s clear the “torpedo bat” isn’t just a Yankees phenomenon. As long as it remains within MLB regulations, more players could soon be using this technology to refine their power hitting.
For now, the Yankees remain the biggest beneficiaries, riding their offensive firepower to a dominant start—but don’t be surprised if this trend spreads throughout the league.
