The New York Yankees were well aware of the ongoing discussions. On Sunday, they responded in their distinctive fashion. Amid increasing curiosity and critique across the league regarding the team’s use of specially crafted “torpedo” bats, the Yankees took to the plate and continued their powerful performance.
In the series finale against the Brewers on Sunday, the Yankees belted four more home runs. Aaron Judge, who opts not to use the Yankees’ new bats, smashed his fourth homer in two games. Rookie Ben Rice slammed his first homer of the season. Jazz Chisholm Jr., who wields one of the much-talked-about torpedo bats, homered twice.
If there was any doubt about whether the torpedo bats were just a short-lived topic, the Yankees ensured they remained in the spotlight for another day. These bats, designed to shift mass closer to the hitter’s hands to enhance bat speed and barrel stability, gained attention following Saturday’s 20–9 offensive outburst.
Reports indicate they’ve been in use since before last season. Brewers closer Trevor Megill, however, likened them to bowling pins and argued they gave the Yankees an undue advantage. Major League Baseball has repeatedly confirmed the bats’ legality, yet the debate only grew more heated.
Players across the league, like Brewers first baseman Rhys Hoskins, have shown interest, while coaches such as Milwaukee’s Pat Murphy have lauded the innovation. For the Yankees, the strategy remains unchanged: take quality swings, manage the strike zone, and swing freely.