As the New York Yankees prepare for the 2025 campaign without Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined indefinitely with torn tendons in both elbows, the organization finds itself searching for a designated hitter replacement. With Opening Day fast approaching, one candidate has begun separating himself from the pack—Ben Rice.
Also, when it comes to a backup for Austin Wells, Rice shines among contenders. The Yankees will count on him as the one who could provide a much-needed backup to veteran Paul Goldschmidt.
Rice’s power showcase attests his versatility
The left-handed slugger continued making his case Friday night, launching his second home run of spring training against veteran hurler Taijuan Walker. Since being selected in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Dartmouth, Rice has steadily climbed through the Yankees‘ farm system. His 2024 minor league campaign proved particularly impressive, as he belted 24 home runs across 80 games split between Double-A and Triple-A before earning his major league promotion.
Though Rice’s initial big league stint yielded modest results—a .171 batting average across 178 plate appearances—he demonstrated promising power with seven home runs while maintaining plate discipline with a 10% walk rate.
Manager Aaron Boone remains bullish on Rice’s offensive capabilities. “He’s going to be a real hitter in this league,” Boone stated earlier in spring training. With Stanton’s extended absence, Rice’s opportunity for regular playing time appears increasingly likely.
Multi-position capabilities boosts Yankees’ flexibility
Originally developed as a catcher, Rice has expanded his defensive repertoire to include first base alongside designated hitter duties. This positional flexibility increases his value to the Yankees’ roster construction. His impressive performance continued during the Yankees’ 6-5 Grapefruit League walk-off victory against Philadelphia, where his power development was on full display.
“I’m just continuing to swing at the right pitches, have good at-bats, and trying to hit the ball hard,” Rice said.
His first-inning blast off Walker registered at a scorching 111.6 mph as it sailed over the right-center field wall, exemplifying the added strength he’s developed. Boone has taken notice of Rice’s physical transformation:
“Last spring was my first time getting eyes on him, and I was really impressed. I felt like, ‘Man, this guy can hit.’ He’s definitely more physically impressive, and that’s a credit to the work he’s put in. He came in a notch more physically developed, and it shows.”
Rice dedicated his offseason to building muscle, adding approximately 10 pounds of strength that has translated to more impactful contact this spring.
Battling for roles across multiple positions
Beyond designated hitter, Rice finds himself competing with J.C. Escarra and Alex Jackson for backup catching duties behind Austin Wells, while also vying with Dom Smith for playing time at first base.
Paul Goldschmidt remains entrenched as the starting first baseman, but Rice could provide valuable depth at the position. Last season, he started 41 games at first base during Anthony Rizzo’s injury absence, despite limited prior experience at the position.
“It’s funny, I never really worked on first base until I got to the big leagues,” Rice said. “In the Minors, it was more just game reps to get in the lineup another couple of times a week. I learned that I’m an athlete; that I can go over there and do my job.”
Despite the learning curve, Rice has embraced his defensive versatility while remaining open to whatever role keeps him in the Yankees’ lineup.
“That was the biggest thing because I knew I was going to be getting more looks over there,” Rice said about catching. “Number one was just going to be the ability to manage a big league pitching staff, to confidently prepare for games, and work with our pitchers.”
Designated hitter clears his roaster roadblock
While Rice competes for a time at both catcher and first base, the designated hitter vacancy presents his most direct route to consistent playing time. With Stanton’s indefinite absence and no established timeline for return, Boone needs a bat-first option to fill the void.
Rice acknowledges that roster decisions remain beyond his control while maintaining his day-to-day focus.
“It’s not up to me, right?” Rice said. “It’s up to Boone and [general manager Brian Cashman]. But I’ll just keep taking it day by day.”
With less than two weeks remaining before Opening Day, Rice appears increasingly positioned to claim the designated hitter role. His combination of power potential, defensive versatility, and plate discipline makes him an appealing option as the Yankees navigate Stanton’s absence and seek lineup stability.
Should Rice maintain his productive spring, he could not only secure a roster spot but potentially emerge as a significant contributor to the Yankees’ 2025 campaign.
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