Ben Rice has established himself as a valuable player for the New York Yankees, but he faces significant competition within the team’s lineup, particularly at first base and designated hitter. After a strong start to the season, posting an impressive .958 OPS through March and April, Rice’s performance has leveled off to a .769 OPS and a 113 OPS+ over his first 64 games. Despite being a productive hitter, the return of Giancarlo Stanton from the injured list and the superior stats from Paul Goldschmidt complicate his quest for more at-bats.
Amidst this positional congestion, some have suggested that Rice might be more effectively utilized behind the plate. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone has mentioned the possibility of giving Rice occasional catching opportunities, although he has not yet started a game at that position in his major league career. Moreover, there have been proposals for Rice to learn third base, which could enable Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift back to second base, potentially strengthening the Yankees’ offensive lineup.
However, insider Andy Martino of SNY has reported that the Yankees do not plan to train Rice for third base, and his chances of catching will be limited to back-up duties. Boone has outlined a rotation for Rice, which includes days at first base, designated hitter, and sporadic bench time, with very few opportunities at catcher.
As it stands, Rice is expected to receive a good number of at-bats against right-handed pitchers, especially when Stanton takes days off to manage his health throughout the season. Unfortunately, it appears that Rice’s playing time could diminish further if injuries do not impact the current roster.
This situation highlights the complexities and challenges that often surface at the major league level, especially for young talents who have shown promise. While Rice’s situation remains uncertain, his adaptability and skills present an opportunity for growth and development in a highly competitive environment. With perseverance, he might eventually carve out a more significant role, showcasing his talent effectively for the Yankees.