Slugging Surge: Rhys Hoskins Reclaims Power Stroke with Help from Revolutionary ‘Torpedo’ Bat
Rhys Hoskins’ comeback story just added a new chapter—and possibly a new weapon.
After a sluggish return from ACL surgery in 2024, the Milwaukee Brewers’ first baseman has caught fire at the plate. And while some may call it a coincidence, others are pointing to one intriguing new variable: the torpedo bat.
In early May, Hoskins quietly began incorporating the cutting-edge torpedo bat into his game action. According to reports from Curt Hogg of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and David Gasper of Athlon Sports, his first documented use of the bat came on May 2, when his slugging percentage sat at .402.
Fast forward 27 games, and his slugging percentage has climbed to .465. That’s not just a small bump—that’s a significant power spike for a player many were unsure could return to his pre-injury form.
Hoskins hasn’t used the torpedo bat exclusively. Instead, he’s deployed it strategically, using analytics and matchups to decide when to swing with it. But in that stretch, his .265/.333/.520 slash line, paired with six home runs, seven doubles, and 22 RBI, has undeniably fueled the Brewers’ offense.
The three-run home run he crushed in Philadelphia on May 31 was the latest reminder: Rhys Hoskins is not just back—he’s dangerous again.
It’s hard to overstate how refreshing this turnaround is for Brewers fans. In 2024, Hoskins posted career lows across several offensive metrics, raising serious questions about his long-term fit with the team. Now, just a month into using this new bat, he’s leading the Brewers in RBI over the past 30 days and ranks near the top in total bases.
So what is it about the torpedo bat that’s drawing attention? Its unconventional barrel design and weight distribution reportedly allow for quicker bat speed and better control through the zone—two traits that benefit power hitters trying to rediscover timing.
Still, baseball is a game of rhythm, confidence, and subtle mechanical tweaks. It’s difficult to isolate the bat as the sole reason for Hoskins’ resurgence. It could be improved health, refined swing mechanics, or simply a well-timed hot streak. But the timing of this spike, starting precisely when he began using the torpedo bat, is more than just a footnote.
Regardless of what’s behind the surge, the Brewers are reaping the rewards. With the NL Central tightening and Milwaukee chasing a postseason berth, having Hoskins hitting like a middle-of-the-order threat again is a major advantage.
If this pace continues, the 2025 season could go from “rebound” to “redemption” for Hoskins—and maybe even turn the torpedo bat into baseball’s next obsession.
For now, Brewers fans will just enjoy the show. Whether it’s science, strategy, or serendipity, Rhys Hoskins is back to launching baseballs—and turning heads.