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Dodgers' Mookie Betts Provides Honest Torpedo Bat Opinion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sam Bernardi | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 12:00 PM ET

The torpedo bats have taken the MLB by storm, and some Los Angeles Dodgers have expressed interest in the new device. Even the mighty Dodgers, seemingly invincible after a 7-0 start in their defense of the World Series, are looking at the innovative barrels to increase production.

According to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register, Max Muncy and Kiké Hernández have ordered versions of the torpedos. However, someone who does not necessarily need any potential advantages, such as Mookie Betts, had this to say:

“We’ll see…Essentially, I’m not saying the bat doesn’t matter,” Betts said. “But it’s really the operator. If that’s what puts confidence in your head that you’re going to hit it, then you’re going to play better just based on pure confidence. It may have something to do with the bat. It may not.”

Basically, it's the wizard, not the wand.

New York Yankees superstar outfielder Aaron Judge shared a similar sentiment to his eventual Hall of Fame companion Betts. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic shared this quote from Judge:

Aaron Judge has less than zero interest in using the new torpedo bats.

"What I did the past couple of seasons speaks for itself. Why try to change something if you have something that’s working?"
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) March 30, 2025

It’s interesting to see how players of Betts and Judge’s stature do not feel the need to incorporate a larger barrel into their games. It speaks to the dominance and confidence of the two baseball pillars over their respective careers.

Betts has been on a tear to start 2025. The 33-year-old has made a triumphant return from his scary, weight-loss illness that sidelined him during spring training.

Betts, who has seen time exclusively at shortstop so far, is batting .375 with a ridiculous .938 slugging percentage, and a 1.382 OPS through 16 at-bats. Betts has also launched three home runs and six RBIs.

While the Yankees’ offensive explosion against the Milwaukee Brewers has everyone convinced that the bats are a surefire improvement, it is probably too early to make definitive judgments. However, it is also a difficult trend to ignore, which explains the intrigue of guys like Muncy and Hernández.

For Betts, the torpedo bat feels like a passerby in the wind. This guy does not need any help at the plate and is not willing to risk anything with his swing or mechanics anytime soon.

If he sustains a lull, maybe we can return to this conversation. But for now, Betts is rightfully content with his performance.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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