Ben Rice: The Yankees' First Baseman Ready to Shine in 2026
As the 2026 season approaches, the New York Yankees are banking on Ben Rice as their first baseman of the future. Originally drafted as a catcher in 2021, Rice made his MLB debut in 2024 as a first baseman. His journey from college to the minors and now to the big leagues has been marked by his standout performance at the plate.
A Season of Near Misses
In 2025, Rice transitioned into the Yankees' starting designated hitter role, and even when Giancarlo Stanton returned from injury, Rice's bat kept him in the lineup. Despite a .255 batting average, ranking 84th, and a .337 on-base percentage, ranking 56th, Rice's underlying numbers tell a different story. His expected batting average was .283, and his expected on-base percentage was .365, placing him among the top hitters in MLB.
These stats highlight Rice's ability to make solid contact, even if luck wasn't always on his side. His outs often came from hard-hit balls that were snagged by stellar defensive plays or unlucky bounces.
The Stats That Matter
Rice excelled in two key areas that bode well for his upcoming season: strikeout percentage and average exit velocity. With only 100 strikeouts in 467 at-bats, Rice's strikeout rate was a respectable 18.9%, below the league average of 22.2%.
When Rice connects, he does so with authority. His average exit velocity of 93.3 MPH ranked 11th in the league, and his 56.1% hard-hit rate was seventh. This combination of low strikeouts and hard contact places him among the league's elite hitters.
Poised for a Breakout
Rice has shown flashes of elite offensive potential over his two years with the Yankees. His ability to avoid strikeouts and consistently hit the ball hard sets the stage for a breakout year. The key for Rice will be maintaining consistency, which could see his stats improve across the board.
Playing at Yankee Stadium, a haven for left-handed power hitters, is an added advantage. Rice's 44.4% pull rate in 2025 aligns perfectly with the park's dimensions, setting him up for success.
With his offensive prowess, Rice has the potential to join the ranks of the American League's top first basemen, alongside stars like Pete Alonso and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. The Yankees and their fans have every reason to be excited about what Rice can achieve in 2026.