The “Torpedo” controversy shows no signs of fading. After piling up 32 runs in two games against the Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Yankees‘ newly designed Torpedo bats are stealing the spotlight. The science behind introducing the torpedo bats seems ingenious, offering improved hitting power while staying within the MLB regulations. However, not everyone is impressed. The Brewers pitcher Trevor Megill, who bore the brunt of the Yankees’ offensive explosion, openly criticized the bats, prompting an Insider to accuse him of making excuses.
Before we get into that, first let’s know what Megill said. Following the Yankees’ explosive 20-9 victory over the Brewers, where they hit a franchise-record nine home runs, Brewers reliever Megill didn’t hold back his frustration. Speaking to the New York Post, Megill called the Yankees’ new “Torpedo” bats “terrible” and compared them to slow-pitch softball equipment. Despite admitting the design was “genius,” he criticized MLB for allowing it, suggesting preferential treatment because it’s the Yankees.
It was Megill’s words about the Yankees that made the headlines. MLB analysts Chris Rose and Trevor Plouffe countered Megill’s comments on their Spotify podcast, Baseball Today. Rose remarked, “I didn’t like his last line (‘But it’s the Yankees, so they’ll let it slide’). That sounds like a crybaby to me.” While the effectiveness and legality of the new torpedo bats are open to debate, accusing a team of receiving unfair advantages may not be productive in the business of baseball.
Interestingly, while Megill expressed his disdain, some of his teammates had differing views. For instance, Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins showed interest in the design, suggesting it might be worth exploring further, stating, “They figured out a way to make it work. Logically, it makes a lot of sense.”
With the Yankees hitting runs at an unprecedented rate using their new bat design, the ‘torpedo’ bats almost seem like a performance-enhancing tool in the form of equipment. But are they legal for continued use? Or will the Yankees face consequences similar to past controversies involving corked bats or excessive pine tar usage?
Torpedo gathered interest beyond the Yankees
Leaving the controversy behind, torpedo bats sparked interest both within and outside of the Yankees organization. Why wouldn’t they, when hitting a home run feels like fun with the new bat? “I thought it was a joke at first,” Padres’ infielder Xander Bogaerts said. After all, when was the last time anyone saw any team—let alone the Yankees—hitting the roof so frequently? Well, it doesn’t look like Bogaerts is against it. His teammate, Manny Machado, added, “They should send a few over here if they’re going to be hitting homers like that. So whoever’s making ‘em, they can send a few over to Petco with this big ballpark.” That sentiment seems to echo across rival teams. However, not everyone in the Yankees camp is promoting the Torpedo!
“What I did the past couple of seasons speaks for itself. Why try to change something if you have something that’s working?” Aaron Judge, one of MLB’s best hitters, hit three home runs on Saturday and another on Sunday using his conventional bat. For Judge, sticking with what works makes sense. But that hasn’t stopped others from marveling at the Torpedo bat. For those unaware, Judge’s preference for the standard bat isn’t new in the MLB circles. During Spring Training, Padres outfielder Brandon Lockridge, who spent eight seasons in the Yankees’ minor system, tried using a Torpedo bat but ultimately stuck with his original bat.
At the end of the day, it’s still up to the player to make contact. Time will tell if the Torpedo bat changes the course of hitting in MLB. The Yankees hammered 32 runs in just two games has hinting at what is coming next. If this run-fest continues, the 1897 record of the Chicago Colts (Cubs) could be in danger.
Do you think Torpedo bats should be used in baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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