Revolutionary Bat, Record-Breaking Performance: De La Cruz Shines in Reds’ Blowout Win
It didn’t take long for Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz to make an impact with the highly-discussed “torpedo” bat.
In his first game using the uniquely designed bat, De La Cruz delivered an unforgettable performance, going 4-for-5 with two home runs, seven RBIs, and four runs scored, leading the Reds to a dominant 14-3 win over the Texas Rangers.
“I gave it a try today and felt really comfortable with it,” De La Cruz shared postgame. “Honestly, there’s no real difference compared to traditional bats—it just feels good.”
The “torpedo” bat, named for its distinct shape resembling a torpedo, has been a hot topic in Major League Baseball since the New York Yankees launched 15 home runs in their first three games against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Developed by former MIT physicist and current Miami Marlins staffer Aaron “Lenny” Leanhardt during his time with the Yankees organization, the bat is designed to optimize weight distribution. According to Leanhardt, the goal was to make the bat “as heavy and as fat as possible” at the point where players typically make contact. The Yankees’ analytics team analyzed hitting data to customize the barrel’s placement based on each player’s tendencies.
Following the Yankees’ success, other teams—including the Reds—have started adopting the bat, and De La Cruz’s standout performance on Monday showcased its potential impact.
The third-year shortstop’s seven RBIs at Cincinnati’s Great American Ball Park set a personal best, while his second home run of the game, in the seventh inning, traveled 436 feet at 110.2 mph off the bat.
Teammate Matt McLain also contributed, smashing his third home run in as many games. With the win, the Reds improved to 2-2 after opening the season with a victory followed by two losses against the San Francisco Giants.
Reds manager Terry Francona acknowledged De La Cruz’s explosive performance but emphasized that the player’s talent mattered more than the bat itself. However, he noted that others might soon follow suit.
“Our guys will choose what they’re most comfortable with,” Francona told MLB.com. “Bats are a personal choice. As long as they’re MLB-approved, I don’t mind what they use.”
MLB’s bat regulations remain relatively flexible. The “torpedo” bat is permitted under Rule 3.02, which states that a bat must be a smooth, round stick no more than 2.61 inches in diameter at its thickest point and up to 42 inches in length. It must also be a single piece of solid wood. Additionally, experimental bats require MLB approval before use in games.
As long as the “torpedo” bat meets these guidelines, it’s likely here to stay.
Post a Comment