In today’s game, teams often emphasize looking at deeper stats like advanced metrics and internal data to explain performance. It’s a way to argue that a player’s low batting average might just be bad luck and that the player is still having productive at-bats and could turn things around.
Ben Rice’s impressive exit velocity was one of the key points the Yankees highlighted during spring training when he earned the designated hitter role on nearly an everyday basis, at least until Giancarlo Stanton returns from his elbow injuries.
In what’s been a fragmented start to the season—one marked by the Yankees managing Gerrit Cole’s eventual Tommy John recovery and watching their younger players seize opportunities—Rice’s performance stands out. Despite the Yankees having played 10 games in freezing conditions, with game-time temps consistently at 50°F or lower, Rice has been one of the bright spots.
He’s also become part of the Yankees’ unconventional leadoff strategy, with speedsters Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe hitting further down the order behind Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. Rice has batted in the leadoff spot five times, homering twice and reaching base in every appearance. He’s also part of a trio—including Austin Wells and Paul Goldschmidt—that’s hitting over .300, with both Wells and Goldschmidt also homering in the leadoff spot.
On Saturday, Rice homered again after a clutch two-strike single, setting up a crucial five-run inning against the hot San Francisco Giants. After a slow, cold week of offense, the Yankees seemed to rediscover their power, hitting 22 home runs in their first six home games.
Rice caught the Yankees’ attention last season when he transitioned from catcher to first base. After Anthony Rizzo’s collision at first base in June 2022 led to a broken forearm, Rice was called up to replace him. He had a memorable moment with a three-homer game against the Boston Red Sox in July. While his overall numbers—a .171 batting average with six homers and 23 RBIs—weren’t eye-popping, it’s worth noting that even Aaron Judge struggled early in his career, hitting just .179 in his first month after replacing Alex Rodriguez in 2016.
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