Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson is making waves with his use of the Marucci “torpedo” bat, designed to enhance contact and improve batting performance. Swanson, alongside teammate Nico Hoerner, has adopted this unique bat, which features a bulkier barrel aimed at increasing the sweet spot. After testing it during spring training, Swanson has seen success, hitting home runs in consecutive games, showcasing its potential in live play.

Hitting coach Dustin Kelly noted the Cubs' awareness of the bat's capabilities and suggested that while the torpedo bat doesn't break any regulations, it could offer a crucial edge for hitters. Swanson emphasizes the importance of data supporting the bat's effectiveness, suggesting that innovation in equipment could help batters keep pace with advancing pitching techniques. The Cubs appear to be at the forefront of this experimentation, encouraging players to assess new tools that could benefit their performance.