The New York Yankees are preparing to adjust their roster for next season and one of the important pieces is Ben Rice, who has dazzled with a .499 slugging percentage and 16 home runs in a campaign that still does not show his full potential, but the first baseman seems to have what it takes to shine in the Bronx. In addition, the youngster ranks highly in categories such as xWOBA and xSlug.
Looking at those statistics, leaving him at first base seems like a crazy decision, however, during the 2025 season he showed limitations at precise moments. In the postseason, Rice had four hits in 18 at-bats, struck out eight times and hit just one home run.
Should the Yankees sign a first baseman in free agency?
Thinking about 2026 without the Yankees strengthening at first base could be another planning mistake for Aaron Boone, who is already under pressure as the franchise has not won the World Series since 2009. The recent elimination against the Toronto Blue Jays increases the pressure, so New York can no longer afford a bad campaign.
The free agent market at first base is attractive, and the Yankees will have the opportunity to strengthen their lineup with players such as Josh Naylor, Ryan O’Hearn, Kazuma Okamoto or even if they prefer, they can go to the Japanese market for Munetaka Murakami, a player who has aroused a lot of interest in MLB.
If a proven addition to the circuit is made, it does not mean that they are giving up on Ben Rice, but rather that there is no dependence on a young talent who needs time to continue to show his abilities and fine-tune details at key moments.
Ben Rice’s conversion: The solution to the problem behind the plate?
Austin Wells’ poor performance has left a catching opportunity that Ben Rice could well take advantage of, despite his limited defensive experience as a catcher. Developing him in that position would open up a range of options to improve the New York Yankees, who have had problems in specific areas of the diamond.
Converting Ben Rice into a catcher is not an easy task, it also depends on how much New York is willing to invest in his defensive formation, but if they can make that transition, it would keep him in the lineup and solve their problems behind the plate.
Making immediate decisions in a team with as much history as the Yankees will not be an easy task, especially when 16 years of World Series drought are added. However, Aaron Boone has young players who are taking off their careers such as Ben Rice, who had good statistics in the 2025 season, but needs to continue improving so bringing him competition could be a turning point to see his best version.
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