Austin Wells hits a home run using his “torpedo” bat against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
April 1, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
Baseball is no stranger to innovation, but few changes have shaken the sport like the sudden rise of the “torpedo bat.” At the center of this revolution is Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt, the Miami Marlins’ field coordinator, who is now in the spotlight for his groundbreaking bat design that has already made waves across Major League Baseball.
A Game-Changing Invention
Leanhardt, hired by the Marlins in January, has a background in analytics and player development. But his most notable contribution to the sport came over the weekend when New York Yankees players used the “torpedo bat” to unleash a historic home-run barrage against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The bat’s design, which shifts more weight to the heart of the barrel, has sparked immediate interest across the league. Five Yankees players reportedly used the bat, hitting nine of the team’s 15 home runs in just three games. The buzz around this new technology has left many wondering: Why did it take so long for baseball to embrace this concept?
Why Now?
Leanhardt himself was surprised that the idea hadn’t surfaced earlier. In a media session before a Marlins game, he reflected on how baseball players traditionally use the equipment they are given without questioning its design.
“You show up every day. You put on the glove you’re given. You swing the bat that you’re given. And you go about your day as best you can. Every now and then, it takes a little bit of time to question what you’re doing.”
According to Leanhardt, the inspiration for the bat came from players who started questioning how they could optimize their swing efficiency. He simply responded to their curiosity by developing a new design, leading to the creation of the torpedo bat.
How Does the “Torpedo Bat” Work?
Unlike traditional bats, which gradually taper down from barrel to handle, the torpedo bat redistributes mass by removing wood from the bottom of the barrel and adding it to the contact area. This shift creates a larger sweet spot and enhances power potential.
As Leanhardt explained to The Athletic:
“Really, it’s just about making the bat as heavy and as fat as possible in the area where you’re trying to do damage on the baseball.”
Are These Bats Legal?
Yes. According to MLB regulations:
- Bats must be made of solid wood.
- They cannot be longer than 42 inches or wider than 2.61 inches.
- The bat’s tip cannot have a cup deeper than one inch.
Since there are no rules on mass distribution, the torpedo bat meets MLB standards and is fully legal for use.
Why Aren’t the Marlins Using It Yet?
Interestingly, despite Leanhardt’s direct connection to the Marlins, the team has not yet used the torpedo bat in games. However, that is expected to change soon.
“One of the big goals here is to be as innovative and on the leading edge of things as we possibly can be,” Leanhardt said. “This is certainly something we’re gonna look to be on the leading edge of.”
He hinted that Marlins players will begin using the bats within the next month.
Will the Torpedo Bat Transform Baseball?
While early results from the Yankees are promising, the impact of the torpedo bat is still up for debate. A small sample size of games is not enough to determine whether this design is truly superior or just a temporary advantage.
However, the bat’s growing popularity suggests that players are eager to experiment. As long as it does not introduce unintended drawbacks, expect more teams and hitters to give it a try in the coming weeks.
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