The Evolution of MLB Torpedo Bats: How a Small Innovation is Changing the Game

The Rise of Torpedo Bats in MLB

Torpedo bats have taken Major League Baseball by storm, with players like Starling Marte and Anthony Volpe switching to this innovative design. These bats, characterized by their enlarged sweet spot and tapered end, offer hitters a competitive edge by optimizing contact points. Companies like Tater Baseball have been at the forefront of this trend, crafting custom bats tailored to individual player needs.

The Science Behind the Design

• Sweet Spot Optimization: Torpedo bats shift the sweet spot closer to the hands, reducing flex and improving contact on inside pitches.
• Density and Weight: Players often use slightly heavier torpedo bats to compensate for the barrel's altered density, enhancing power.
• Customization: Using data from players like Marte, Tater designs bats with precise specifications to maximize performance.

Tater Baseball: From Backyard Shed to MLB Supplier

Founded in 2015 by the Vargas family, Tater Baseball started as a small operation making training bats. Their breakthrough came with the underload trainer, a torpedo-shaped bat designed to improve bat speed and sweet-spot accuracy. Today, their bats are used by 22 MLB teams, with Marte as one of their flagship clients.

The Manufacturing Process

1. Wood Selection: Birch or maple sourced from Canada for its dense fibers.
2. CNC Lathe Cutting: Precision machinery shapes the bat based on player data.
3. Hand-Sanding and Cupping: Each bat is manually finished to ensure quality.
4. Custom Paint Jobs: While MLB restricts game bat colors, Tater offers vibrant designs for batting practice.

MLB’s Reaction and Future Trends

Despite initial skepticism, torpedo bats have gained league approval, though unique designs (like Teoscar Hernández’s sunflower seed-themed bat) sometimes face pushback. Jeremiah Vargas predicts a "significant uptick" in torpedo bat usage, blending tradition with innovation.

"A small difference in design can make a big difference in performance." — Fred Vargas Sr., Tater Baseball