Volpe’s expected weighted on-base average (xwOBA) has climbed to .348 from last season’s .278. His average launch angle has also increased, meaning he’s making more consistent fly ball contact. He’s not swinging wildly or chasing. He’s finding barrels—and sending baseballs into gaps and over fences with real intent.

But the development of the uniquely shaped piece of lumber — it looks more like a bowling pin than a traditional bat, with a thicker middle and tapered end — wasn't the result of a life spent around the game.

MIT physicist Aaron Leanhardt has been credited with creating the torpedo bats. Leanhardt previously served as a hitting analyst with the Yankees before he joined the Miami Marlins as a field coordinator in the offseason.