A torpedo bat is a type of baseball bat with a unique shape that differs from traditional bats. Instead of having a barrel that gradually tapers toward the end, the torpedo bat features a "bowling-pin" shape where the thickest part of the barrel is moved closer to the handle, and then it tapers sharply toward a thinner end, resembling a torpedo or bowling pin
. This design redistributes the bat's mass so that more wood is concentrated around the hitter's "sweet spot"-the area where they most frequently make contact with the ball. By shifting weight away from the end of the bat and toward the middle, the bat becomes easier to swing with potentially higher bat speed and better control
. This can help hitters generate more power on contact by increasing the likelihood of hitting the ball with the thickest part of the bat, although it may reduce effectiveness on balls hit at the very end or handle of the bat
. The torpedo bat gained attention in the 2025 MLB season when players like those on the New York Yankees used them to great effect, notably during a game with nine home runs. The bats comply with MLB regulations on size and shape, which allow for a maximum barrel diameter of 2.61 inches and a smooth, round shape, but do not restrict the geometry or distribution of mass along the bat
. In summary, a torpedo bat is a baseball bat with a distinctive barrel shape that concentrates mass closer to the hitter's hands and sweet spot, aiming to optimize swing speed and hitting power by breaking the traditional design rules of bat tapering
