The New York Yankees have kicked off the 2025 MLB season with an offensive explosion, defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 20-9 on Saturday. This game was historic for several reasons, including the Yankees becoming the first team to hit home runs on three consecutive pitches to start the game, according to Sportradar. While the powerful offensive showing caught everyone’s attention, the real story began when fans noticed the unusual bats some Yankees hitters were using. These odd-looking bats, which feature more of the wood closer to the handle, were the result of a study conducted by the team. The research found that players were making more contact with the ball near the label of the bat.
The controversy surrounding the new bat design quickly became a talking point in the baseball world. However, Major League Baseball has confirmed that the new bats are completely legal. MLB insider Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported that there are no rules prohibiting their use. This confirmation has sparked further interest in the bats, and they are beginning to spread around the league. Several players from other teams are now experimenting with this innovative design, including those from the Toronto Blue Jays and the Minnesota Twins.
Blue Jays outfielder Davis Schneider, who has also been using the new bat style, spoke about the growing trend. He acknowledged that the Yankees’ recent success with the bats has caught the attention of many across the league. “I think it’s blowing up a little more because the Yankees just hit nine home runs,” Schneider said. “But I feel like a lot of people are going to use it, honestly.” Schneider’s comments reflect the growing belief that the bat could be a game-changer for players looking to improve their performance at the plate.
The new bat style, often referred to as the “torpedo bat,” has already started to show promise. Yankees players like Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have embraced the design, with both infielders already hitting home runs this season. The innovative bat has generated buzz not just because of its appearance, but due to its apparent ability to increase power and contact. As more players adopt this design, the influence of the Yankees’ offensive success could potentially alter the dynamics of hitting across the league.
With the new bats already making waves, it remains to be seen whether other teams will adopt the style en masse. However, the Yankees’ early success has undoubtedly made an impression, and as Schneider predicted, it seems likely that this bat design will continue to spread across MLB. If the trend catches on, we could see a new wave of offensive performances powered by this unique equipment.
