First baseman Ben Rice is making waves in the American League, putting up impressive numbers early in the season.
Rice’s Impact on Offence
One of the biggest reasons for lower divisional odds was, one of the best things a baseball team can possess: Aaron Judge with a signed contract. The effect has been mitigated somewhat by the improved projections of one man: first baseman Ben Rice.
Through the first three weeks of the season, Rice has recorded a .362/.500/.745 line, which translates to a league-leading 241 wRC+, and has already achieved 1-WAR.
Advanced Stats Highlight Rice’s Talent
Rice’s batting average is aided by a .500 BABIP, but even when adjusted for this, his performance remains strong. Adjustments for BABIP, home run, walk, and strikeout rates still result in a .277/.392/.629 line, equating to a 1.021 OPS.
A 1.021 OPS would have trailed only Judge in 2025, and only Judge and Shohei Ohtani in 2024.
Rice was hardly a slouch last year, with a 55.8% hard-hit rate (seventh in baseball). But this year, that’s improved to 70.0% in the early going, tra
Adjustments and Future Expectations
It’s unlikely Rice will maintain this level of performance throughout the entire season. Baseball involves constant adjustments, and player performance naturally fluctuates.
However, hitting the ball hard is vital for sustained success as a power hitter. Rice’s improved hard-hit rate this season bodes well for his continued development.
- Rice posted a .362/.500/.745 line in the first three weeks.
- His wRC+ is a league-leading 241.
- His adjusted OPS is 1.021.
Rice’s early-season performance suggests he could be an elite offensive talent.