Rob Manfred discusses whether he approves of torpedo bats

Torpedo bats have taken MLB by storm this season, generating discussion and debate. Commissioner Rob Manfred recently addressed the topic, sharing his thoughts on the controversial new equipment.

"They're absolutely good for baseball," Manfred told The New York Times' Michael S. Schmidt in a story published Sunday. "I believe that issues like the torpedo bat and the debate around it demonstrate the fact that baseball still occupies a unique place in our culture, because people get into a complete frenzy over something that's really nothing at the end of the day."

The new bats gained attention when the New York Yankees hit a franchise-record nine home runs in a game in a 20-9 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on March 29. 

The thickest part of the new bat is in the label, which is closer to the hitter's hands. MLB's rulebook says the bat must be 2.61 inches in diameter at its thickest point, but it doesn't specify where it must be. 

The bats may be exploiting the rules, but Manfred doesn't seem to have an issue with that.

"The bats comply with the rules," Manfred said. "Players have actually been moving around the sweet spot in the bat for years. But it just demonstrates that something about the game is more important than is captured by television ratings or revenue or any of those things, when you have the discussions and debates about it."

Baseball could use something that attracts more fans. The sport's attendance and TV viewership have recently declined. 

On Feb. 20, ESPN and MLB agreed to end their national TV deal after the 2025 season ends, which could further diminish the sport's popularity.

All 30 teams can also obtain torpedo bats, eliminating another potential issue. In a story published April 4, ESPN's Buster Olney reported every team has requested them.

Manfred probably realizes that if the bats create an offensive explosion, it could make the game more exciting, possibly benefiting baseball.