A new buzzword is making waves in MLB early 2025: Torpedo bat. This oddly-shaped piece of wood shot to fame after the New York Yankees started their season on fire, thanks in part to the new design. While the league quickly approved its legitimacy, online debates erupted over whether it gives players an unfair advantage. And now, this controversial bat has reportedly found its way into the Boston Red Sox clubhouse, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to their young season.

The Red Sox could definitely use some offensive help—especially after their recent 8-5 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday. While his new teammate Alex Bregman managed to collect a hit during the game, Rafael Devers (aka “Raffy”) extended his frustrating slump. Now primarily a designated hitter, Raffy went 0-for-3 against the O’s, striking out in all three times, drawing two walks.

To stir the pot even more, Bregman dropped a major hint that he might be exploring something new to ignite his bat. On his Instagram story, Bregman posted an image of a personalized torpedo bat—complete with his initials and jersey number—alongside a rocket ship emoji. The image quickly made its way to X, where reporter Tyler Milliken shared it with the caption: “Oh baby. Alex Bregman has his hands on a torpedo bat,” suggesting that the third baseman might bring this headline-grabbing gear into play soon.

And that’s just one case. Now, it’s no longer just a Yankees story anymore—it’s quickly becoming a league-wide phenomenon. Teams like the Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, and Minnesota Twins have joined the list of the Yankees and Red Sox. Players like Davis Schneider, Ryan Jeffers, and Junior Caminero reportedly wielded these revolutionary bats during the season’s opening games.

The idea of Bregman possibly experimenting with new tech comes as Devers finds himself stuck in a shockingly slow start to his 2025 campaign. Perhaps the worst stretch of his entire career! Over the first five games, the Red Sox’s cornerstone went an unbelievable 0-for-19 at the plate, racking up a startling 15 strikeouts and even setting an unwanted MLB record for most strikeouts in the first three games of the season. This historic drought feels especially puzzling given his offseason transition to DH, raising questions among fans and analysts alike.

Fans rally for Devers: torpedo bat hope amidst historic slump

Watching the team’s high-profile acquisition possibly turning to the controversial torpedo bat while their homegrown star designated hitter struggles so gravely created a striking juxtaposition online. Amplified by Bregman showing off his prospective new lumber, this image seemed to channel much of mainstream fan frustration directly toward struggling Devers.

There had been speculation that Bregman, Boston’s big offseason signing, might use the torpedo bat. Naturally, fans can’t think about Boston’s beloved cornerstone slugger, Devers, too. “I’m ready for Torpedo Breggy, please give Raffy one of these,” wrote one hopeful fan. This was a sign of hype surrounding Bregman, a former MVP runner-up, possibly trying out new tech. It also sparked hope that its innovation could help Devers. Fans want both stars to maximize power at the plate.

Many comments quickly shifted focus to Devers, with growing urgency. Fans demanded immediate action to help their cornerstone player, who is struggling mightily. “Get one for Devers too,” one fan stated directly. This reflected the deep concern over Raffy’s shocking 0-for-19 start, compounded by numerous strikeouts.

Others took a more personal approach, showing unwavering loyalty for the homegrown slugger. Fans expressed Devers’s confidence during this truly historic slump. “Please give it to Devers,” another fan simply posted, almost like an online plea. This loyalty stems from memories of Devers’ past heroics for Boston, like his towering grand slam in the 2018 ALCS that secured the pennant or his clutch postseason homer off Aroldis Chapman in 2017 as a rookie. It’s the version of Devers fans are desperate to see back on the field.

Some fans broadened the conversation, questioning how the team could better support Devers in finding success. Do they have bigger options for Devers?” one user wondered online. This thoughtful question highlights Devers’s stature as one of baseball’s elite power hitters. He’s known for routinely crushing over 30 homers in a season.

Finally, some fans turned to humor to cope with Boston’s early offensive struggles. In search of solutions, they sarcastically proposed going beyond even the torpedo bat. “Is there any way we can get Devers, Story, and Casas tennis rackets?” another quipped online.

This is dark humor, likely stemming from frustration over recent losses, the 8-5 defeat to Baltimore, where Devers went hitless. Trevor Story, as well, looked lost at the plate with multiple strikeouts. Even young slugger Triston Casas could not offer consistent offensive fireworks in those critical games. Watching these key bats go silent together has left fans joking about needing any advantage possible, even tennis rackets.