We’re about a quarter of the way into the Major League Baseball season, and it’s already full of drama, surprises, and controversy. Some teams are dominating, while others are sinking fast. One of the biggest stories so far? A new kind of bat that could change the game.
The Rise of the Torpedo Bat
This year, the New York Yankees began using what’s called the Torpedo Bat. Shaped a bit like a bowling pin, this new design shifts the barrel lower on the bat, helping players hit the “sweet spot” more often. That means more home runs and better hits.
Some people are questioning whether the bat gives hitters an unfair advantage and think it should be banned. But MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred disagrees. He says the bats are “absolutely good for baseball,” and since they don’t break any official rules, they’re staying for now.
Top Teams Making a Statement
Several teams have started the season strong. The Los Angeles Dodgers are playing well with stars like Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Japanese pitching phenom Rōki Sasaki.
Both New York teams are off to hot starts. The Yankees feature big names like Aaron Judge, Max Fried, and Giancarlo Stanton. Across town, the Mets are showing off Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and new superstar Juan Soto, who just signed a $765 million, 15-year contract—the largest in sports history!
Surprise teams like the Detroit Tigers, and Chicago Cubs are also making early noise in the standings.
Trouble in Colorado and Around the League
Unfortunately, not every team is doing well. The Colorado Rockies are having a historically bad season and they’re on pace to be the worst team in modern MLB history. For comparison, the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics (now Oakland A’s) hold the current record with a .235 win percentage.
Injuries have also been a big issue this year. The Yankees have lost Oswaldo Cabrera (severe leg injury), Luis Gil (right lat strain), and Jazz Chisholm Jr. (right oblique strain). The Mets lost star reliever A.J. Minter for the season with a lateral strain—he had a 1.64 ERA before getting hurt.
The Atlanta Braves have been hit even harder. Star pitcher Spencer Strider was injured just five days after his debut, and 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. hasn’t played at all yet due to a UCL tear from last season.
Star Players Lighting Up the League
Despite injuries and drama, several players are having incredible seasons. Aaron Judge is dominating, leading the league in seven major hitting categories. He’s batting .412 with a 1.279 OPS, trying to become the first player to hit over .400 since Ted Williams in 1941.
Close behind is Freddie Freeman of the Dodgers, batting .362. The Mets’ Pete Alonso is also having a career-best season, with a .311 average and a 1.005 OPS, placing him fourth in the league.
One of the biggest surprises is Jonathan Aranda of the Tampa Bay Rays. Last year, he wasn’t even a regular starter and batted just .234. This season? He’s hitting .339 and turning heads all around the league.
With wild new equipment, major stars, injuries, and breakout players, the MLB season is off to a thrilling start. Whether you’re a Yankees die-hard, a Mets believer, or just love the game, it’s a season to watch closely.