Phillies' Matt Strahm Proposes Pine Tar Comeback Amid Torpedo Bat Craze

The baseball community is buzzing about torpedo bats, a new innovation that’s reshaping offensive play. And Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm just pitched an idea of his own—reviving pine tar for pitchers to level the playing field.

These uniquely shaped bats, which have a barrel closer to the handle resembling a bowling pin, are creating havoc for pitchers. The New York Yankees recently shattered records with 18 home runs in their first four games, impressively aided by these bats. Strahm took to social media to express his frustration and suggest a solution. "Let them use whatever bat they want," he shared on X. "Let’s just allow pitchers to use whatever hitters have in the on-deck circle…and not check us like we’re criminals every time we walk on or off the field."

Strahm’s comment highlights the ongoing debate over foreign substances in baseball. MLB banned sticky substances like pine tar in 2021 after pitchers became overly dominant due to increased spin rates, which resulted in fewer hits. Umpires now routinely inspect pitchers for banned materials, leading to ejections and suspensions. While Strahm acknowledged some substances were "a bit much," he argued that pitchers should get the same grip-enhancing benefits hitters enjoy with their bats.

The Yankees’ offensive explosion was fueled by torpedo bats, which optimize contact with the ball by moving the barrel to the label area. Brewers relief ace Trevor Megill called the bats "terrible," likening them to gear used in slo-pitch softball while admitting their design was "genius." He added, "It might be bush [league]. It might not be. But it’s the Yankees, so they’ll let it slide." Bold words, but the bats are legal under MLB rules—at least for now.

These bats aren’t just a Yankee thing. Players like Francisco Lindor, Yandy Diaz, Anthony Volpe, and Ryan Jeffers are also wielding them, and Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz had a monster game using one, going 4-for-5 with two home runs and seven RBIs. If the numbers keep climbing, the debate over equipment and fairness will only intensify.

MLB’s rules on bat design are clear: experimental bats need approval from the league. Yet, with torpedo bats proving effective, it’s hard to ignore their impact on the game’s balance. Strahm’s call to bring back pine tar might not solve everything, but it sure stirs the pot in baseball’s ongoing battle between offense and defense.