In the realm of baseball, the debate surrounding torpedo bats rages on. Are they revolutionary technology or mere junk science? Could they be the next big trend in baseball, or are they much ado about nothing?
As with most things, the truth likely lies somewhere in between. While the new hitting tech has taken the baseball world by storm, sparking curiosity and commanding attention, its true impact remains to be seen.
The New York Yankees’ recent offensive onslaught against a weakened Brewers pitching staff brought the torpedo bats into the spotlight. Despite being in use since last season, these unconventional bats have surged in popularity over the past week.
While the statistical significance of these bats is still up for debate, another pressing question has emerged: Can these new-age bats lead to injuries?
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton, currently sidelined due to tendonitis in both elbows, has been at the center of this discussion. Stanton attributed his elbow issues to “bat adjustments” made during the 2024 season, a season in which he extensively used torpedo bats.
However, Stanton recently refuted any claims linking his injury to the torpedo bats, emphasizing that the two are unrelated. Despite the attention surrounding these bats, Stanton remains committed to using them upon his return to the lineup.
Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton used a torpedo bat last season, including during New York’s run to the World Series. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
(Al Bello via Getty Images)
Manager Aaron Boone shared his perspective on the torpedo bat phenomenon, suggesting that while they may offer incremental benefits to some players, they were not the sole reason behind the team’s recent offensive success.
While concerns about potential injuries from using torpedo bats persist, the lack of concrete evidence linking them to harm leaves the issue open to interpretation. With Stanton’s steadfast commitment to these bats, only time will tell their true impact on the game.