Yankees Ben Rice Ready to Dominate as Starting First Baseman

Ben Rice is gearing up to be a major force at first base for the Yankees this coming season.

Let’s talk about Ben Rice. Remember last year when he was just another player fighting for a spot on the roster? Fast forward, and he’s now the man poised to take over first base for the Yankees. Spring training is calling his name, and he’s no longer the wide-eyed hopeful. Instead, he’s the guy who showed us he could smash baseballs out of the park, consistently carrying that power through the 2025 season. Rice is ready to bring his A-game to the Bronx, and you better believe he’s going to make an impact.

What made Rice stand out last season was more than just his impressive slugging percentage, ranking him ninth in the American League. It was the transformation of his entire approach. The man put on some serious muscle in the offseason, fine-tuned his swing, and turned into a hitting machine. Even when luck wasn’t always on his side – we’ve all seen those screaming line drives snagged by some diving outfielder – he stayed focused on quality at-bats. Call it gritty, call it determined, but whatever it is, it’s working.

And let’s not forget his fielding. Switching to first base isn’t a cakewalk. Anyone who’s seen Moneyball knows it’s not just about catching the ball. Rice has been learning the nuances of the position from none other than Paul Goldschmidt, picking up on the intricate details that set apart good fielders from great ones. With that sort of mentorship, Rice is gearing up to be more than just a power hitter – he’s shaping into a defensive asset as well.

“I’m gonna continue to work at both, and probably lean a little bit more towards first base for now.”

– Ben Rice on whether he’ll practice at catcher or first base more in 2026 pic.twitter.com/dBp6risL58

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) January 13, 2026

Realizing Potential Under the Radar

Many players take the usual path from college ball to the majors, but Rice’s journey has been anything but ordinary. With an underwhelming college stint at Dartmouth followed by a global pandemic, Rice wasn’t on top scout radars. But those backyard scrimmages during COVID times? That’s where the “Ben Rice League” was born, a scrappy testament to his dedication. He fought to stay in the game, proving that passion and perseverance often breed the best stories.

Reflecting on those times, Rice remains humble and grateful. It was around that makeshift field that he honed his edge. The hunger to prove himself to the world didn’t just fade away with time – it drove him forward. The direction he’s taken since is nothing short of inspiring, from undrafted hopeful to starting first baseman for the Yankees.

Ben Rice had 19 outs with an xBA of .600 or greater in 2025. The xwOBA of those 19 outs was .799

If those 19 outs matched their expected outcome, then Ben Rice would’ve had a 152 wRC+ https://t.co/PlozAjQ049

— Alex (@AlexDevMLB) January 9, 2026

Lessons from the Best in the Business

Every young player needs a role model in the clubhouse, and for Rice, that’s been none other than Aaron Judge. Batting around Judge in the lineup gave Rice a firsthand look at how a superstar prepares every day. Judge’s calm and composed demeanor, regardless of whether he’s hitting homers or striking out, rubs off on teammates. Rice noticed, absorbed it, and put it into practice.

In this high-pressure game, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress or let one bad game define you. But alongside a leader like Judge, Rice learned the art of maintaining focus and consistency. It’s not about the showboating or the limelight, but about putting in the work day after day. Rice is walking the right line, and for Yankees fans, that should be music to our ears.

The First Base Challenge

Playing first base isn’t just about catching a ball; it’s about being a defensive linchpin. The Yankees’ new trust in Rice as their regular first baseman shows just how much they value his potential. Rice isn’t just standing at the bag waiting to catch a throw. He’s mastering positioning, learning footwork, and embracing the challenge head-on.

It’s high praise to hear him speak about Paul Goldschmidt’s influence, a player who surely knows the ropes at first base. The respect is mutual. Watching Rice take those tips, improve his game, and bring that knowledge onto the field proves he’s not just an athlete; he’s a student of the game.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the 2026 season on the horizon, Ben Rice is more than ready for the challenge. And it’s not just about facing left-handed pitchers more often or racking up 550 at-bats. It’s about taking everything he’s learned, all the miles traveled from Dartmouth to the Bronx – and smashing through expectations.

Rice knows the essence of Yankee baseball – adapting, thriving, and advancing. Whether it’s prioritizing first base or maintaining catching skills, he’s going to stay sharp. He’s a dynamic player with a lot to offer, well aware of the work it’ll take to live up to Yankee legends who’ve come before him. His energy and commitment shine through, and as fans, we have a lot to look forward to.

Ben Rice: The Powerhouse We Didn’t See Coming

Who would’ve guessed it? Ben Rice, the guy barely on the radar over a year ago, now strutting into spring training as the Yankees’ primary first baseman. It’s like a scene out of a feel-good baseball movie. You know the type—underdog rises to occasion. Except this isn’t Hollywood. It’s the Bronx. And Rice is ready to roll. After muscling his way to a ninth place in the AL slugging ranks, Rice’s transformation wasn’t just a fluke. He busted his tail in the offseason, packing on muscle and refining his swing. The man’s swing could probably power the lights at Yankee Stadium. Get ready, folks.

The Goldie Effect: Lessons From the Best

Some players just have that aura. Paul Goldschmidt, or ‘Goldie’ to those who spent time with him last season, is one of them. Rice soaked up every bit of wisdom from Goldie, and it shows. First base isn’t just about plopping your foot on a bag. It’s a chess game. Rice’s time picking Goldie’s brain was time well spent. If they gave out rings for defensive savvy at first, Goldie would have a fistful. Rice, our very own sponge, took it all in, and now he’s ready to show just how much he learned. Goldie might be gone, but his teachings are alive in the Bronx. Watch Rice step up, Yankees fans.

And let’s not underplay the mentor-mentee magic here. Rice and Goldie clicked, like some buddy-cop duo in the outfield. Goldie talked footwork, positioning, field awareness. Rice listened, tweaked, and presto—he’s the Yankees’ secret weapon in the making. His defense is already showing those trademark improvements, and fans should be excited for a full season of Rice’s polished glove work. All thanks to Mr. Goldschmidt’s golden touch, of course.

From Ben Rice League to the Yankee Lineup

Remember when Rice was just a guy grinding away in the minor leagues, looking to catch a break? Back then, the ‘Ben Rice League’ was a real thing—a cobbled-together playground of hopefuls trying to snag a scout’s eye. Fast forward, and Rice isn’t just in the Yankees lineup; he’s poised to be a cornerstone. Sometimes baseball really does play out like a rags-to-riches tale. Don’t you love it when hard work and a sprinkle of luck actually pay off?

Rice’s journey from obscurity to Yankees’ mainstay is a lesson in perseverance and adaptability. He kept swinging when others stopped. Making it big wasn’t his birthright; it was a hard-earned victory lap around the bases. Ben Rice didn’t just make it to the show. He stole it. Now, he’s a name we’ll be talking about for years. So, get your popcorn ready because this show is just getting started!