Sure, Rice didn’t exactly light the Bronx on fire in 2024, but the tools, the potential, and the pedigree are all there. And let’s face it: the Yankees might not have the financial bandwidth to splurge on a first baseman if they’re going all-in on a certain lefty slugger named Juan Soto. That’s where Rice steps in—cheap, controllable, and brimming with potential.
Is our first baseman hiding in plain sight? Ben Rice’s first stint in the majors was... let’s call it a learning experience. As Empire Sports Media points out, a 73 wRC+ over 178 plate appearances aren’t going to make anyone scream, “There’s the next Don Mattingly!” But let’s not write the eulogy just yet.
Bad luck and small sample sizes played a role in those struggles. He made strong contact, showed patience at the plate, and proved he wasn’t overwhelmed by big-league pitching. With only 109 balls in play during his debut, there’s simply not enough data to justify abandoning ship.155 wRC+ in Double-A. Those numbers are good. The guy wasn’t just hitting; he was destroying pitching at every level.
So, why should the Yankees roll with Rice at first base in 2025? Let me count the ways.
1. He’s Already Here: You know who doesn’t need a $200 million contract? Ben Rice. You know who doesn’t require a trade package of five prospects? Ben Rice. The Yankees have already invested in him, and he’s waiting for his shot.
2. The Yankees Can’t Keep Spending Like It’s Monopoly: If the front office locks in Juan Soto this offseason (and they should), there won’t be piles of cash left to throw at first base. Rice is a cost-effective option with a potentially high reward. Who doesn’t love a budget-friendly success story?
3. Even a Little Progress Would Be Huge: Rice doesn’t need to become the second coming of Lou Gehrig to be valuable. Even a league-average bat at first base would be a marked improvement over the underwhelming production the Yankees got from Rizzo in the last two seasons.
4. Upside, Upside, Upside: His power is legit. His swing decisions are sharp. His contact rates are better than advertised. If he gets the reps and the confidence, there’s every reason to believe Rice can grow into a productive big-leagues.
Let’s be real: Anthony Rizzo had a fantastic career, but his time as a productive Yankee ended long before his contract did. With his departure, the Yankees can finally stop papering over first base and give someone else a shot.
Rice is already in the family. He knows the system, he’s got the tools, and he’s got something to prove. Why go fishing for an overpriced free agent when you might already have the answer in-house?
If Rice struggles, what’s the downside? The Yankees can pivot midseason or make a trade if necessary. But if Rice succeeds—and the minor-league dominance suggests he might—the Yankees have a first baseman locked in for pennies on the dollar.
There’s no need to panic. Baseball’s beauty lies in its unpredictability, and Rice has earned the chance to show what he can do over a full season.
Sure, it’s easy to look at his 2024 MLB numbers and doubt him. But Rice deserves more than 50 games to prove himself in my opinion. Baseball isn’t a sport for knee-jerk reactions (even if it makes us want to yell the loudest ones). I feel like the Yankees invested in him, and he’s shown at every level of the minors that he has the talent to succeed. Let the kid fly.
First base doesn’t need a superstar—it needs a solution. Rice could be that solution, and the Yankees owe it to themselves to find out.
So, as the offseason chatter heats up, remember the name: Ben Rice. He’s young, hungry, and already in the Yankees’ family. Who needs a flashy free agent when you’ve got a diamond in the rough waiting to shine?
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