Torpedo bats are creating quite a stir in baseball this season, and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred views the buzz as a positive sign for the sport.
“They’re absolutely good for baseball,” Manfred said in a recent Q&A. “The debates around torpedo bats show that baseball still holds a unique place in our culture because people get passionate over something that, in the grand scheme, is pretty minor.”
Manfred’s interview also touched on other topics, including his support for robot umpires. He expressed hope that technology could be expanded to the major leagues soon, potentially by 2026.
Torpedo bats gained attention after the New York Yankees smashed a team-record nine home runs in a single game, with several players swinging these uniquely shaped bats. Unlike traditional models, torpedo bats have a design where the wood is shifted closer to the handle, creating a shape reminiscent of a bowling pin.
This new trend has caught the interest of All-Stars and even amateur players, leading to a surge in orders for Victus Sports, the official bat supplier for MLB. The company has seen a significant boost in sales and demand for these distinctive bats.
Manfred pointed out that players like Giancarlo Stanton and Francisco Lindor have been using torpedo bats for a while, and the shape doesn’t affect the bat’s performance. While the design is unconventional, the cost remains consistent with standard bats, typically priced around $200. Victus markets them with the tagline: “Get your hands on the most talked-about bat in the game.”
“Players have been shifting the sweet spot in their bats for years,” Manfred added. “This kind of discussion shows that baseball’s appeal goes beyond TV ratings and revenue—it’s about the conversations and excitement the game generates.”
