MLB Commissioner Manfred says torpedo bats are 'good for baseball'

Apnews - Apr 6th, 2025
Open on Apnews

Torpedo bats have taken Major League Baseball by storm, with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred endorsing the excitement they bring to the sport as beneficial. In a New York Times Q&A, Manfred highlighted the debates around these bats as evidence of baseball's cultural significance. The unconventional bat design, featuring wood shifted lower down the barrel, has gained popularity, notably after the New York Yankees set a team record with nine homers in one game. This trend has led to increased orders for Victus Sports, MLB's official bat maker. Additionally, Manfred expressed optimism about introducing robot umpires to the regular season by 2026, following successful trials during spring training.

The torpedo bat craze, fueled by its unique shape and the endorsement of star players like Giancarlo Stanton and Francisco Lindor, underscores baseball's dynamic nature and the fans' engagement with the sport beyond ratings and revenue. Though the bats have been around for years, their recent spotlight showcases how equipment innovation keeps the game fresh and appealing. This phenomenon, coupled with technological advancements like robot umpires, points to a future where tradition and innovation coexist, ensuring baseball remains relevant and captivating.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of the current trend of torpedo bats in Major League Baseball, supported by credible sources like Rob Manfred and The New York Times. It effectively communicates the cultural significance of these bats and the potential introduction of robot umpires. However, the story could benefit from a more balanced presentation by including diverse perspectives and deeper analysis of the implications of these innovations. While the article is well-written and accessible, it lacks the depth necessary to provoke significant debate or influence public opinion. Overall, it serves as an informative piece for those interested in baseball trends but may not engage a broader audience.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately presents several key facts, such as the popularity of torpedo bats and Rob Manfred's positive comments about them. The claim that torpedo bats are drawing attention this season is consistent with reports of increased interest and sales, as noted in multiple sources. The story also correctly attributes the statement about robot umpires to Manfred, aligning with his expressed interest in expanding their use. However, the impact of torpedo bats on performance is not definitively established, as the story suggests they are a fad without providing evidence of improved player performance. Overall, the article is factually accurate but could benefit from more detailed evidence on the bats' effectiveness.

7
Balance

The article primarily presents Rob Manfred's perspective, emphasizing his positive view on torpedo bats and their cultural significance. While this offers a clear insight into the MLB Commissioner's stance, the story lacks opposing viewpoints or critical analysis of the bats' impact on the game. Including perspectives from players, coaches, or analysts who might have reservations about the bats could provide a more balanced view. The focus on Manfred's opinion might lead readers to perceive a bias towards the Commissioner's perspective, potentially overlooking other important voices in the debate.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and uses clear language, making it accessible to a general audience. It effectively conveys the main points, such as the popularity of torpedo bats and Manfred's views. The logical flow of the article helps readers understand the context and significance of the topic. However, the story could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical aspects, like the design and potential advantages of torpedo bats, to enhance comprehension for readers unfamiliar with baseball equipment.

8
Source quality

The story relies on statements from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, a credible and authoritative source on baseball matters. The inclusion of a Q&A from The New York Times adds credibility, given the publication's reputation for rigorous reporting. However, the article could improve by incorporating a wider range of sources, such as player testimonials or expert opinions on the bats' design and performance. This would enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

7
Transparency

The article provides clear attribution to Rob Manfred and The New York Times for the quoted statements, ensuring transparency in sourcing. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodology behind the claims about torpedo bats' popularity and performance. Further disclosure about the basis for these claims, such as sales figures or performance data, would improve transparency. Additionally, acknowledging any potential conflicts of interest, such as Victus Sports' role as the official MLB bat maker, would enhance the article's transparency.

Sources

  1. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/25181846-rob-manfred-says-torpedo-bats-are-absolutely-good-mlb-and-comply-rules
  2. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/torpedo-bats-are-absolutely-good-for-baseball-says-mlb-commissioner-rob-manfred/
  3. https://www.marca.com/en/mlb/new-york-yankees/2025/04/06/67f2d758ca4741d75e8b4584.html
  4. https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/article/manfred-says-torpedo-bats-are-good-for-baseball-20261966.php
  5. https://www.si.com/mlb/rob-manfred-shared-honest-take-on-mlbs-torpedo-bat-craze