Ex-MLB star Céspedes owns athletic gear brand shared by stars Ohtani and Judge.
In the world of professional baseball, the name Chandler Bats is increasingly becoming synonymous with high-performance equipment. Founded in 2009 in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, the brand has grown from a safety-focused startup to a respected name in the sport, thanks in part to its association with some of Major League Baseball's (MLB) biggest stars.
### From Safety to Stardom
Chandler Bats' journey began with a commitment to innovation and player protection. Over the years, the brand has honed its craft, creating bats from quality materials like maple wood, favoured for its strength and performance in professional baseball. This focus on quality and safety has attracted the attention of top MLB players, including Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Yoenis Céspedes.
### A Roster of Elite Endorsements
The association with these stars has significantly elevated Chandler Bats' profile and credibility. Ohtani and Judge, for instance, are satisfied with their current Chandler bats, a testament to the brand's quality and performance. Judge has been aligned with Chandler Bats since the beginning of his career, and the company sells two Judge bats, the AJ99 and AJ99.2.
### A Growing Presence in the MLB Market
The endorsement and use of Chandler Bats by superstar players have helped the brand make its mark in a market traditionally dominated by legacy manufacturers. This has intensified competition in the MLB bat market, challenging established brands and encouraging innovation and quality improvements. Chandler's focus on safety and performance has likely influenced industry standards and player preferences, contributing to a more diverse and competitive bat market.
### Thriving Amid Challenges
Despite facing significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 MLB lockout, Chandler Bats has managed to rebuild from the ground up. In 2017, Céspedes loaned $700,000 to the brand's parent company, RxSport, and later acquired all its assets, including Chandler, in 2019. The brand has also expanded its operations, shutting down production in mid-2021 and moving its operations from Pennsylvania to Port St. Lucie, Fla.
### A Bright Future Ahead
Chandler Bats' direct-to-consumer business has seen a significant increase, growing 5x since 2021. Sales in April surged more than 100% versus the prior year due to "torpedo bat mania". The brand's product offerings include models like the Torpedo Chameleon AJ99T maple bat, emphasizing performance and aesthetic appeal. Chandler Bats also provides same-day shipping for in-stock models.
In summary, Chandler Bats has grown from a safety-driven startup to a respected baseball bat brand endorsed by some of MLB's biggest stars. Its presence has positively impacted the MLB equipment market by fostering competition and innovation, aligning well with the growing demand and valuation of baseball bat products. The future looks bright for Chandler Bats as it continues to carve out a niche focused on quality and player endorsement in the expanding baseball bat market.
People interested in professional sports, particularly baseball, may recognize the name Chandler Bats, a brand that has made a significant impact in Major League Baseball (MLB). The brand, known for its high-performance equipment, has adapted from a safety-focused startup to a respected name in the sport, gaining endorsements from top MLB players such as Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, and Yoenis Céspedes.
