With a so-called torpedo bat design taking baseball by storm this season, several members of the Los Angeles Dodgers decided to place orders to test them out, but Freddie Freeman will not be among that group.
Max Muncy was the first Dodgers player to use the bat in a game during Wednesday’s victory against the Atlanta Braves, and Kiké Hernández may soon follow suit.
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While Freeman has nothing against the bowling-pin bat design, he doesn’t foresee himself ever using a new type and in general hasn’t made much of an effort to familiarize himself with it.
“I do not look down on anybody. If it’s legal, you can do whatever you want,” Freeman said.
“I’ve swung the same bat for 16 years. I will not be changing to a torpedo bat. I’ve swung the same length, ounces, everything. If it works for the guys, then go for it. I know some of our guys are getting some, so we’ll see. I will not be swinging it.
“I don’t know anything about it. I promise you I have not read a thing about it. I only know there’s a torpedo bat and it looks like the barrel is shorter and lower down. That’s all I’ve got.”
It’s hard to argue against Freeman’s logic, as he’s been one of best pure hitters in MLB for over a decade at this point and has only gotten better as his career progressed. Freeman was named National League MVP during the shortened 2020 season with the Atlanta Braves after hitting .341/.462/.640 and posting a 186 wRC+.
He has also had some of the best seasons of his career since joining the Dodgers in 2022. The 157 and 162 wRC+ he posted in 2022 and 2023, respectively, were the highest marks Freeman’s had in a full season.
While Freeman is sticking with his trusted bat, he won’t be taking swings until at least next week due to being placed on the 10-day injured list because of a sprained right ankle.
Max Muncy still evaluating torpedo bat effectiveness
Despite going 0-for-3 with the torpedo bat during Wednesday’s game, Muncy had an overall positive experience with it. Though, Muncy did change back to his normal bat to deliver the game-tying two-run double in the eighth inning against the Braves.
While Muncy doesn’t think he’ll continue using the new bat in games going forward, he does see value in using it in batting practice and other work.
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