While some MLB fans believe the New York Yankees‘ “torpedo bats” may be illegal, it seems 2025 is not the first time they used them, and they aren’t unique in using the groundbreaking piece of equipment.
The Yanks absolutely smashed the Milwaukee Brewers in their three-game season-opening series this past week. Yet, what made it different than the usual three-game sweep was the shocking display of power from New York’s batting order. In the club’s last two games, they scored 32 runs and smashed 12 home runs.
The Yankees lineup was expected to be good, but not this good. And fans received an explanation on Sunday when it was revealed that many of the players that hit homers on Saturday used a new “torpedo bat” designed by a former MIT physicist on the team’s staff. It has led to jealous MLB fans crying illegal. But is the unique bat that disperses more weight throughout actually illegal?
Is New York Yankees’ new ‘torpedo bat’ illegal?
In short, no. The New York Yankees’ bats are not illegal. As explained by Yahoo Sports this week, MLB rules say a bat can be no longer than 42 inches or thicker than 2.61 inches, must be made of solid wood, and can’ have a cup at the tip deeper than one inch. The Yankees’ bat meets all those criteria.
Although fans are hating on the news bats, Brewers reliever Trevor MeGill called the concept genius, and it reminded him of something in slow pitch softball. Yankees veteran Nestor Cortes, who was on the receiving end of the historic nine-homer power surge in Saturday, said the new bats meant nothing to him and recalls teammates using them last year.
Wait, the “torpedo bats” weren’t just made?
‘Torpedo bat’ has been used by other teams
Yanks super-prospect Jasson Dominguez claimed this week that Giancarlo Stanton used the “torpedo bat” late last season. This might explain his outstanding play during the 2024 postseason. Furthermore, New York isn’t the only team using them. Los Angeles Angels infielder Nicky Lopez told The Athletic they were used by the Chicago Cubs when he was with them during spring training. And he expects more teams to make use of the revolutionary stick.
“It seems like it’s making its way around MLB. It’s definitely not just the Yankees,” Lopez said. “I think we’re gonna see more people — it’s legal. It’s under MLB rules and everything. Just basically moving the sweet spot down. Those balls that you’re getting jammed on are finding some barrels.”
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