Ben Rice is gearing up for another pivotal season with the New York Yankees, aiming to solidify his standing as one of MLB's top first basemen. After a breakout year in 2025, where he launched 26 home runs and posted an impressive .836 OPS, Rice is poised to continue his upward trajectory. His expected batting average of .285 suggests there's even more potential lurking beneath his .250 actual mark from last year.
This season, Rice will be taking the field at first base with the seasoned Paul Goldschmidt, now 38, offering guidance and mentorship. Goldschmidt’s presence provides a unique opportunity for Rice to refine his skills, particularly against left-handed pitching-a challenge he faced last year with a .208 average over 106 at-bats.
In the rankings game, Rice is currently positioned as the 13th-best first baseman heading into 2026, according to Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter. Notably, he trails behind division rivals Jonathan Aranda of the Rays and Wilson Contreras of the Red Sox. Reuter highlights Rice's effectiveness against right-handed pitchers, a strength likely to be leveraged again this season with Goldschmidt acting as a platoon partner.
There’s a clear path for Rice to expand his role, potentially reaching 600 plate appearances by mixing in some starts behind the plate alongside his primary duties at first base. His elite batted-ball metrics suggest he has the potential to push for 30 home runs, a milestone within his grasp if he continues to capitalize on his opportunities.
With the stage set for Rice to take on more at-bats against lefties, this season could be a defining one. If he can overcome last year’s struggles in that area, we might just see Rice climb the ranks and cement his place as a premier player at the corner position.