This past offseason, New York Yankees fans were left reeling after the shocking departure of their star right fielder and Aaron Judge’s key setup man, Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking $765 million deal to join the New York Mets. Soto had been a force in the Bronx, boasting an impressive slash line of .288/.419/.569/.988 and setting a career-high with 41 home runs during his lone season with the Yankees. His exit seemed to signal the end of the Yankees’ potent offense.
However, those fears proved to be unfounded.
The Yankees have come out swinging this season, leading MLB with 22 home runs through just six games, as they head into Friday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. On pace for a historic power surge, it’s clear that the offense isn’t missing Soto’s combination of on-base skills and power. Much of this success can be attributed to their new designated hitter, who now wears Soto’s old No. 22—helping Yankee fans move past their one-season wonder.
Ben Rice Steps Up in Soto’s Absence
Ben Rice, who made his MLB debut last season filling in for an injured Anthony Rizzo at first base, made an immediate impact, becoming the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in a game. His seven RBI in that game tied a team rookie record, previously set by the legendary Lou Gehrig. However, despite a hot start, Rice finished the season with a .171 batting average and 7 home runs in 152 at-bats, showing some struggles at the major league level
- Ben Rice
This year, after impressing in spring training with hard-hit balls, Rice was called up to fill in for the injured Giancarlo Stanton. Not only did he take over as the Yankees’ DH, but he also inherited Soto’s former number, No. 22.
So far, Rice has made a strong case for his role, hitting .368 with two home runs and two walks. In contrast, Soto has struggled in his new Mets uniform, batting .240 with just one home run. While it’s too early to say whether Rice can maintain this form long-term, his early success helps ease the sting of losing the hitter who played a pivotal role in the Yankees’ World Series push last season.
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