The New York Yankees' "torpedo" bats -- their new redesigned lumber that moves more wood into the label area to create more area where hitters make contact -- are all the buzz after their huge 20-9 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. It was a game in which Nestor Cortes gave up four home runs in six batters.
If you're wondering if the bats are legal, yes they are. And as The Athletic reported: "The shape of the bat does not violate the rules, per a league spokesperson."
That's right, the league has weighed in, which makes sense. If they were illegal, we would have heard about it already. And I assume that the Yankees would check with the league first before rolling these out.
What does the Yankees torpedo bat look like up close?
Check it out!
Yes, the Yankees have a literal genius MIT Physicist, Lenny (who is the man), on payroll. He invented the “Torpedo” barrel. It brings more wood - and mass - to where you most often make contact as a hitter. The idea is to increase the number of “barrels” and decrease misses. pic.twitter.com/CsC1wkAM9G
— Kevin Smith (@KJS_4) March 29, 2025
What is the MLB rule about legal bats?
The bat shall be a smooth, round stick not more than 2.61 inchesin diameter at the thickest part and not more than 42 inches inlength. The bat shall be one piece of solid wood.NOTE: No laminated or experimental bats shall be used in aprofessional game (either championship season or exhibitiongames) until the manufacturer has secured approval from MajorLeague Baseball of his design and methods of manufacture.
There you have it.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Yankees new torpedo bats are addressed by MLB rules through spokesman
