The Science of MLB ‘Torpedo’ Bats: How They Function and Do They Offer an Advantage?

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Developed by a physicist, these bats have their widest part, called the barrel, closer to the player’s hands to offer a better chance of hitting the ball on their “sweet spot”

Sarah Kuta – Daily Correspondent

April 2, 2025 4:39 p.m.

The baseball world is currently buzzing after the New York Yankees set a franchise record by hitting nine home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Central to the discussion has been the innovative “torpedo bats” that some players utilized during the 20-9 victory.

Torpedo bats, while resembling traditional bat designs at a glance, symbolize a significant evolution in baseball equipment, according to experts and players alike.

“Standard bat designs have remained unchanged for about 150 years,” explains Alan Nathan, a physicist from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in an interview with NPR. “The introduction of a new concept is indeed thrilling.”

The distinguishing feature of torpedo bats is the placement of the barrel—the bat’s broadest section—closer to the hitter’s hands. This design allows the bat to taper from the handle to the thicker barrel before narrowing again towards the tip, resembling a bowling pin shape.

These bats are customized for individual players, ensuring the barrel is specifically positioned over the hitter’s typical contact point, known as the “sweet spot.” This design translates to more mass concentrated where the bat meets the ball, effectively increasing the likelihood of solid contact. The underlying theory is that hitting the sweet spot more frequently correlates to increased batting success, including home runs.

Shifting the center of mass nearer to the hands reduces the swing weight of the bat, making it more manageable and intuitive for players. This theoretically allows for quicker swings and enhances players’ abilities to adjust on the fly as the pitch is delivered. Additionally, with the barrel located closer to the hands, it could also improve the batter’s peripheral vision, aiding in alignment during swings.

“A faster swing gives players a longer window to track the ball before taking their shot,” states Lloyd Smith, a mechanical engineer from Washington State University, as discussed in Scientific American.

Such design adjustments can prove valuable, particularly when facing pitchers who routinely hurl fastballs nearing 100 mph. While torpedo bats may not inherently increase the force of contact, their structure potentially enhances accuracy, positively influencing overall batting averages.

The origin of torpedo bats lies with Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt, who developed the bats during his tenure with the Yankees and is currently a field coordinator for the Miami Marlins. Leanhardt, who holds degrees in electrical engineering and physics, transitioned to baseball after teaching physics at the University of Michigan.

His innovative concept emerged from discussions with players seeking improved contact with the ball. It took him nearly two years to refine the design. “We contemplated redistributing the wood to maximize impact potential,” Leanhardt shared with Athletic’s Brendan Kuty.

Some MLB players began testing the torpedo bats in the 2023 and 2024 seasons, yet widespread recognition only surged following the Yankees’ outstanding display last weekend. The team achieved a remarkable feat of hitting three consecutive home runs with their first three pitches of the game.

Concerns about the legality of these bats have been addressed, confirming they comply with MLB regulations that state bats must be smooth, round, and a maximum of 2.61 inches in diameter at the thickest point and 42 inches in length.

While it remains untold if these bats will have a substantial effect on player performance, the Yankees seem to benefit. They have already tallied 17 home runs in their first four games—a new MLB record. However, it’s noted that not all home runs are attributed to the torpedo technology, with a few coming from players using standard bats.

Beyond performance metrics, the psychological boost these bats provide could also be significant. “Baseball is steeped in superstition,” remarks Dan Russell, an acoustics expert at Penn State University. “Belief in the equipment can influence a player’s mindset positively.”

Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe shared similar thoughts after using a torpedo bat to hit a home run. “It’s probably just a placebo,” Volpe admitted. “However, if it boosts confidence even minutely, that’s beneficial.”

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