
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone listens to a question during a news conference before Game 2 of the baseball World Series, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
The New York Yankees delivered an electrifying offensive performance over the weekend, overwhelming the Milwaukee Brewers in the Bronx with a barrage of runs and home runs. A key storyline emerging from the series was the team’s use of the new “torpedo” bats, which have sparked discussion around Major League Baseball. Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the growing attention on these bats, emphasizing that they are simply one of the many strategies the team employs to maximize their competitive edge.
“That’s just trying to be the best we can be,” Boone said in an interview with ESPN. “That’s one of the things that’s gotten pointed out. I say to you guys all the time, we’re trying to win on the margins, and that shows up in so many different ways.”
While the new bats have gained traction among some players, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has stated that he is not using them. However, several of his teammates, including Anthony Volpe, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Austin Wells, have been seen swinging the controversial bats, further fueling discussion about their impact. The Yankees’ incredible offensive outburst in their 20-9 rout of the Brewers on Saturday and their dominant 12-3 victory on Sunday only heightened curiosity about the role these bats may be playing in the team’s success.
Saturday’s game was particularly historic, as the Yankees shattered a franchise record by blasting nine home runs in a single game. Judge led the charge with three homers, showcasing his elite power at the plate. Meanwhile, Wells, Volpe, and Chisholm each contributed to the home run frenzy, helping the team put up an insurmountable lead. Additionally, Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Oswald Peraza joined the home run parade, though it remains unclear whether they were using the torpedo bats.
The power surge continued into Sunday’s contest, as Judge wasted no time making an impact, launching a home run in the first inning to give the Yankees an early 2-1 lead. His ability to consistently change the game with one swing has been a key factor in the Yankees’ strong start to the season. Ben Rice added to the offense later in the game with a home run of his own, and Chisholm continued his hot streak, delivering two more home runs to cap off a dominant series for the Bronx Bombers.
With their offense firing on all cylinders, the Yankees now turn their attention to an upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, where they will face some of the toughest pitching matchups of the season. On Tuesday, they are set to face Corbin Burnes, the Diamondbacks’ newly acquired ace. The challenge doesn’t stop there, as Zac Gallen, one of the top pitchers in the National League, will take the mound against them on Wednesday. The series will conclude on Thursday with a matchup against another formidable opponent, Merrill Kelly.
As the Yankees prepare for this crucial series, all eyes will be on whether their offensive explosion will carry over against elite pitching. The growing conversation around the torpedo bats adds another layer of intrigue, as their effectiveness and potential advantages remain a hot topic across the league. Regardless of whether the bats are making a significant difference, the Yankees have undoubtedly established themselves as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in baseball, and their ability to sustain this success against top-tier pitching will be a defining storyline in the coming weeks.