Will New Torpedo Bats Impact Diamondbacks-Yankees Series?

And it appears to be working so far. In the Yankees' opening series, they belted an MLB-record-tying 15 home runs over three games. Of those 15, nine were hit by players using the new design.

Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells all collected multiple homers. Cody Bellinger and former Diamondback Paul Goldschmidt each had one apiece.

Aaron Judge has four homers in his first three games, including three in one game on March 28 — but he hasn't been using the torpedo bat — he's just that good of a hitter.

These "new" bats are fully legal, and within MLB's rules — for the time being. As of this writing, nothing has been set in motion to regulate or ban the bat, or punish those using them. That could change, and a rule development might still be on the table, but it appears that torpedo bats might be here to stay — and they're rapidly spreading.

How will this impact the Diamondbacks?

Players across MLB have quickly begun to put in orders for the new bats. In fact, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson was seen using one against the Diamondbacks in game four of their opening series. Swanson homered off Eduardo Rodríguez — his first of the season — using the new bat.

It's no longer just the Yankees. These bats are popping up on a variety of teams, but New York might feature the highest number of hitters relying on them. Considering Yankee stadium is already a hitter's dream, with a 314-foot distance to the edge of the right-field wall.

That's not to diminish the quality of New York's hitters, and the power present throughout their lineup. But it does put a unique challenge on visiting pitchers. Add torpedo bats to the equation, and even ace Corbin Burnes might find himself a victim of the long ball.

Manager Torey Lovullo is unconcerned, however. He addressed the torpedo bats in his postgame press conference on Sunday.

"As long as it's within the ground rules and Major League Baseball is aware of it, and they're using a bat that has the right measurements and the right dimensions, more power to them," said Lovullo. "It seems to be working really, really well. But we're going cross-country to play our best baseball. This team's hungry and they want to show the world what they can do."

"It makes sense, right? You want more barrel and less handle. Except for me," joked the skipper. "I hit every ball on the handle, so they shouldn't be able to hit it."

Lovullo doesn't think MLB needs to step in and outlaw these bats, and is instead focused on his own club ahead of a tough road trip.

"No. The dimensions are fine. There's a weight category, a length category, and as long as they're doing it, I think we're all good," Lovullo said.

There's little in the way of conclusive evidence that these bats provide a significant advantage, but it certainly does appear that the hitters who do use them have been enjoying more success — and more power — at the plate in the early goings of 2025.

As of now, Lovullo is unaware of any D-backs hitters putting in an order for the new design, but that could quickly become a reality as the league begins to take serious notice.

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