New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra, experiencing offensive difficulties since his recent Major League debut, has started using a "torpedo bat." The move comes as he attempts to improve a .152 batting average this season.
Escarra is positioned behind Austin Wells on the club's depth chart. He has hit one home run this year while adapting to his first professional season in the majors.
The adoption of the torpedo bat aligns with a trend seen across baseball, where players are utilizing the new equipment. The league has determined these bats are legal. Escarra joins other players experimenting with the equipment, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., who has publicly discussed his decision to use one. Jazz Chisholm Jr. defended his decision to use the bats earlier in the year.
Despite Escarra's individual struggles at the plate, the Yankees have maintained one of the league's top offenses. Along with contributions from Wells and Aaron Judge, the team is positioned at the top of the AL East standings.
Escarra made his Major League debut on March 29, 2025, completing a long journey through minor and independent leagues. He recorded his first big league hit, a double, on April 3.
His presence has impacted the clubhouse. Teammate Aaron Judge noted Escarra's influence, independent of his performance statistics.
"Besides that, just the type of person he is, to battle through that type of adversity," Judge said. "He's come in here every single day with a smile on his face, trying to make guys better, trying to push guys. It’s been fun to watch and fun to be around. He just brings a different energy into this clubhouse, and it’s contagious."
