Traeger Grills & Louisville Slugger Launch Limited Edition Wood Pellets Made From MLB Bats

This home-run grilling collab features the same maple wood found in bats swung by MLB hitters.

Maxim Staff

Mar 29, 2024

The flavor that different wood pellet varieties imbue on smoked protein is either substantial or negligible, depending on who you ask. But one thing’s for certain: The most patriotic grill fuel on the market right now are these newly released Traeger Louisville Slugger Pellets.

In a clever application of upcycling, the proprietor of techy wood-pellet grills is repurposing the hardwood byproducts left behind during the MLB bat brand’s manufacturing process. That means these pellets are made from the exact same wood species of New York and Pennsylvania maple trees found in Louisville Sluggers that major-league hitters will be swinging throughout the 2024 season.

“We’re bringing the same maple wood professional baseball players utilize at the plate to the plates in backyard cookouts,” said Traeger CEO Jeremy Andrus. “Partnering with Louisville Slugger, a brand ingrained in the fabric of baseball for over a hundred years, was a natural fit, and we’re thrilled to bring this unique product to the Traegerhood.”

“Louisville Slugger has a storied history in baseball, and Traeger Grills shares our commitment to quality and tradition,” added Jennette Rauch, senior director of global marketing at Louisville Slugger. “Our maple hardwood, trusted by baseball legends, now adds a distinctive flavor to Traeger’s premium pellets. It’s a winning combination that brings the spirit of the game to every backyard barbecue.”

Each type of Traeger wood pellet has multiple suggested protein pairings—the hickory pellets are best for brisket smoking and tri-tip grilling, while the pecan pellets are suited to pulled pork and chicken, for instance. As such, the Louisville Slugger pellets have their own especially wide lane featuring beef, pork, chicken vegetables, and even baked goods, according to Traeger.