NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 07: Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees reacts at bat against the Kansas City Royals in Game Two of the Division Series at Yankee Stadium on October 07, 2024 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) Luke Hales/Getty Images

Aaron Judge Announces Decision On Controversial 'Torpedo' Bat

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 12:36 PM ET

A uniquely designed "Torpedo" bat is receiving attention after the New York Yankees played Home Run Derby on Saturday. However, Aaron Judge anchored the afternoon with his usual equipment.

Judge hit three of New York's franchise-record nine home runs in Saturday's 20-9 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The reigning AL MVP nearly missed his fourth with a double off the right-field wall and later took a Bugs Bunny curve from position player Jake Bauers to the warning track.

Some of Judge's teammates successfully implemented a new bat. Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. each went yard with the Torpedo bat, designed to give hitters more wood near their hands. They're crafted to create a better chance of a hitter barreling the ball where he usually makes contact.

On the other hand, Judge swung with his typical bat. Per The Athletic's Chris Kirschner, the 32-year-old superstar explained why he doesn't plan to switch.

"What I did the past couple of seasons speaks for itself," Judge said. "Why try to change something if you have something that's working?"

It's hard to argue. After all, Judge handily led MLB in home runs (157) and slugging percentage (.674) over the last three seasons.

Judge set an AL record when blasting 62 home runs in 2022, but he actually upped that historic season's OPS from 1.111 to 1.159 in last year's second MVP campaign. This time, he smashed 58 home runs with a .322/.458/.701 slash line.

The 6-foot-7 outfielder is off to a quick start. Two games into the 2025 season, Judge is 5-for-10 with three home runs, two doubles, and nine RBI. His odds of winning MVP again already shortened from +300 to +155 on ESPN Bet.

Judge isn't embracing the Torpedo bat, but more people around the league could. According to Kirschner, a league spokesperson confirmed that they're legal.

Following Saturday's power outburst, one would imagine the rest of MLB will take notice and look into manufacturing their own Torpedo bats.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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