The New York Yankees’ explosive win over the Milwaukee Brewers, fueled in part by the use of controversial “torpedo” bats, has ignited intense debate across the MLB. Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets, isn’t surprised by the growing popularity of these bats, acknowledging that the pursuit of an edge is a constant in the sport.
“Every player continues to look for an edge,” Mendoza said, per SNY. “This has been going on for years, with guys customizing bats to their liking—whether it’s a thicker handle or a bigger barrel,” he added. However, “torpedo” bats represent a significant innovation, featuring a unique mass distribution designed to maximize impact on the ball.
Although these bats are currently legal, there’s a possibility that MLB will take action. “I think they’ll be banned,” an MLB front-office source told CBS Sports. “I think MLB will be compelled to establish a rule to prevent them from getting out of hand, and I believe fairness will dictate a rule that effectively bans the torpedo design.” The source also noted that these bats could have a “non-trivial” impact on batters’ performance, though their effectiveness heavily depends on the player’s control.
The Mets and adapting to the new trend
The Yankees aren’t the only team experimenting with “torpedo” bats. The trend is gaining traction across the league, and Mendoza may soon have to adapt to this evolving reality. The Mets, regarded as one of the National League’s strongest teams, feature a powerhouse lineup led by Juan Soto and Pete Alonso. However, their start to the season has been inconsistent, with a 2-2 record.
Despite high expectations, the Mets have shown flashes of their offensive potential, as evidenced by their recent win over the Miami Marlins. Notably, one of their key players, Francisco Lindor, has been using a “torpedo” bat, according to a Yahoo Sports report.
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The pressure on the Mets is immense, particularly after Juan Soto’s multimillion-dollar signing. Failure is not an option for the team, and adapting to new trends—such as the use of “torpedo” bats—could be a crucial factor in their success.
Will MLB ban the use of “Torpedo” bats?
The debate surrounding “torpedo” bats raises fundamental questions about fairness and innovation in baseball. A potential ban could mark a turning point in how equipment is designed and regulated in the sport. Meanwhile, the Mets and other MLB teams continue to explore the potential advantages these bats offer, looking for every possible edge in the long MLB season ahead.
