Resolution Criteria

This market resolves to YES if Major League Baseball (MLB) officially changes its rules to either limit the use of or completely ban "torpedo bats" before Opening Day 2026. The market resolves to NO if no such rule changes regarding torpedo bats are implemented by Opening Day 2026.

Background

"The bats -- which Major League Baseball confirmed are legal -- are defined by an untraditional barrel, which rests closer to the hitter's hands. "Torpedo" bats are designed with more wood, and thus more mass, concentrated in the area of the bat where the hitter is more likely to hit the ball. Each player touts a slightly different model, with the bat's shape specifically customed to maximize potential damage on any given swing." (Mlb.com)

They comply with current MLB regulations (Rule 3.02), which allow bats to be up to 2.61 inches in diameter and 42 inches in length. Several MLB teams have been using these bats, which have sparked debate about whether they provide an unfair advantage to hitters.

Considerations

MLB typically reviews and updates rules between seasons to maintain competitive balance. Any potential rule changes regarding torpedo bats would likely follow a period of evaluation and discussion among league officials, team representatives, and the MLB Players Association. The league has not yet made any official statements about plans to change rules regarding these bats.