While Max Fried’s scoreless innings were a key part of the New York Yankees’ 5-0 win against Seattle, Ben Rice’s performance also deserves attention.
Rice went 2-for-2 with two runs scored, an RBI, and two walks. He reached base four times and made every plate appearance challenging for the pitcher.
Rice’s Impressive Start to the Season
Rice is slashing .357/.471/.500 to start the season, reflecting a hitter with genuine intention. These numbers suggest more than just a hot streak.
Defensive Transition at First Base
The move from catcher to first baseman was expected to take time, but Rice’s glove has come around quickly. He played 46 games at first base last season while splitting time between catcher and DH, showing flashes of potential.
This spring, he focused almost exclusively on first base. The results are showing, especially in his footwork around the bag.
His scooping ability on low throws has drawn comparisons to other catchers who transitioned to first base.
Statcast Data Highlights Rice’s Potential
Rice brings a legitimate threat to draw walks, hit for power, and make hard contact against any pitcher. His Statcast data reveals elite exit velocity and hard-hit rate.
His barrel percentages put him in the 92nd percentile or above across multiple categories. These numbers reflect a hitter capable of consistently damaging a baseball.
Encouraging Results in 2025
The 2025 season was the first time Rice played a full year and the results were encouraging. He posted a .836 OPS with 26 home runs in 467 at-bats.
His September was particularly special, hitting .316 with four homers over the final month of the regular season.
Rice’s Prime Years
At 27, Rice is in the prime years that projection systems use to build upward adjustments. His game is not based on tools that decline with age.
Plate discipline sharpens with experience, and hard-contact rates are among the most stable skills in baseball.
The main question was whether the first base transition would affect his defensive value.