Yankees' Ben Rice: From Catcher to First Base Standout
SEATTLE - The Yankees kicked off their season with a win, and while the box score might show a simple 6-3 groundout, the play itself told a deeper story. Shortstop Jose Caballero hustled to field a chopper, making an off-balance throw that landed short of first baseman Ben Rice. But Rice, a catcher-turned-first baseman, showcased his growing defensive prowess by scooping the ball out of the dirt with ease.
Last year, that play might have ended in an error. Rice, originally a catcher through college, has been on a journey to become a reliable first baseman. His transition has been anything but routine, but now he's making plays that would make any seasoned first baseman proud.
During the Yankees' series in San Francisco, Rice demonstrated his improved skills. On Saturday, he chased down a chopper to his right and fired a precise throw to second, starting an inning-ending double play. Later, he stretched to snag a high throw and secure a crucial out, keeping the Yankees ahead.
Offensively, Rice continues to contribute. In the season opener, he singled and scored in a 7-0 victory.
Then, he doubled off the right-field wall, driving in two runs in a 3-1 win. But for Rice, his defensive growth is the real triumph.
“I’m about as pleased as you can be,” Rice shared. “To convert some plays for the guys felt good.”
Rice's breakout 2025 season established him as a formidable left-handed hitter without a set position. Scouts once labeled him a below-average catcher and a shaky first baseman, pegging him as a designated hitter. But that narrative is changing.
“Rice has improved significantly compared to last year,” a scout observed. “He looks comfortable at first now. The footwork around the bag is better, and he’s reading hops well.”
The Yankees committed to Rice as their starting first baseman this season, regardless of Paul Goldschmidt’s return. Goldschmidt, a seven-time All-Star, will see action against left-handed pitching, but Rice, now 27, is the primary starter.
Rice's catching duties have been limited this year. He remains the third catcher behind Austin Wells and J.C.
Escarra but is focusing on first base. Last season, he made 26 starts behind the plate to keep his bat in the lineup, but the Yankees want him to hone his skills at first.
In 2025, Rice ranked 157th in Defensive Runs Saved among first basemen but showed promise with a 0 rating in Outs Above Average. Manager Aaron Boone has noticed the strides Rice has made.
“You forget first base is as new as it is for Rice,” Boone said. “He’s worked really hard and keeps getting better over there.”
Rice’s journey to first base began in 2022 after being drafted from Dartmouth. Initially a catcher, he started playing first base more frequently in 2024. Last season, with Goldschmidt’s arrival, Rice became the regular DH, but his defensive work didn’t go unnoticed.
Aaron Judge, who trained with Rice in the offseason, praised his efforts. “Rice has been great at first. It speaks volumes to the work he put in during the offseason.”
Rice knows the key to further improvement lies in game experience. “The more games I get under my belt, the more comfortable I’m going to feel,” he said. “I’ve got to keep getting in-game reps to keep feeling better.”
Rice’s transformation is a testament to dedication and adaptability, and as the season unfolds, he’s poised to make a significant impact both at the plate and in the field.