Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy has decided to discontinue his use of the recently popular “torpedo bat,” citing a fundamental disconnect with the feel of the equipment. Muncy’s reasoning for stepping away from the bat, which has seen increasing adoption across Major League Baseball, was straightforward, as he explained on the Foul Territory show, “It just felt really off to me.”
The design of the torpedo bat is unique, engineered to potentially enhance a player’s grip by altering the distribution of its mass. This redistribution places more wood around the label of the bat compared to the end of the barrel.
Los Angeles Dodgers Max Muncy Tests Torpedo Bat
While acknowledging the innovative design, Muncy suggested that a longer acclimation period might be necessary for him to appreciate its benefits. “Maybe if I had more time with it, I might like it,” he added. “For my swing right now, it is definitely not it.”
In his interview, Muncy made it clear that his decision was a personal preference and not a criticism of the bat itself or those who use it. He even speculated that the early success seen by players on teams like the New York Yankees, who have widely adopted the torpedo bat, might be partly attributed to having had more time to familiarize themselves with it during spring training.
Through the early part of the season, Muncy has recorded a .184 batting average with two RBIs. Despite his personal choice, the prevalence of torpedo bats continues to rise throughout MLB, with teams like the Atlanta Braves also utilizing them and individual players such as New York Mets infielder Francisco Lindor experimenting with the design.
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While the bat has garnered attention and sparked some debate, with calls for its potential banning, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has publicly downplayed the notion of any such action.
Muncy’s Dodgers, who hold a strong 9-3 record and harbor aspirations of returning to the World Series, recently experienced a setback with a loss to the Washington Nationals. This defeat came shortly after the team’s visit to the White House.
Despite this recent loss, the Dodgers are considered a formidable contender in the National League, boasting a deep roster that includes the talents of Shohei Ohtani and other prominent players, leading some analysts to project a potentially record-breaking season for the club.