Multiple players from the Texas Rangers are reportedly considering a shift to the heavily discussed “torpedo bats,” which redistributes weight from the end of bats into portions that are more effective for hitters.
These bats were first utilized by the New York Yankees just days into the 2025 MLB season and have significantly helped batters create more contact, with the Yankees hitting nine home runs in the first game these bats were used.
Former MIT physicist Aaron Leanhardt previously worked with the Yankees during a time in which the team was looking for ways to improve batting averages, with the ball club discovering that players frequently made contact on the lower parts of the bat.
As a result, the Yankees developed bats that allow players to continue swinging in the same manner while also improving the odds of making contact with the ball.
Players across the league have begun using these bats, with the most recent adopter lighting up the Rangers on Monday night.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz officially joined the trend and used the bat on Monday, finishing the game with an incredible four hits, two home runs, and a career-high seven RBIs in the 14-3 win over the Rangers.
Now, multiple players from the Rangers are reportedly interested in making the shift, with outfielder Joc Pederson saying that he fully plans to use a “torpedo bat” and has already placed an order.
“Oh, and I’m going to use them,” Pederson said, according to The Dallas Morning News. “Simple as that.”
Third baseman Jake Burger also said he was “skeptically interested” in making the shift, saying that it is “probably beneficial” for the majority of players and he will consider a change.
“For my swing, I feel like I hit more balls off the end of the bat than I get jammed. When I do feel like I barrel balls, I don’t think I need anything extra,” he explained, per DMN.
“I feel like there isn’t a lot of in-between on my misses. I’m way out in front on misses and it’s a ground ball. It’s not like I mis-hit it and it’s a routine fly ball [that would be improved]. But I’m interested.”
The good news for teams across the league is that the MLB season has only just begun, meaning any players making a change will have ample time to become comfortable with the new bats before the postseason.
The Rangers are currently 3-2 with a series win against the Boston Red Sox to open the 2025 season.
Texas is in the midst of a series against the Reds and will take on Cincinnati for the second game on Tuesday at 5:40 p.m., followed by the third and final game of this series on Wednesday at 11:40 a.m.