Boone admits Ben Rice’s confident takeover of Stanton’s Yankees slot

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Spring success has transformed into a regular-season reality for Ben Rice. After replacing Juan Soto on the pinstripes, the Baby Bomber is confidently taking over Giancarlo Stanton’s slot in the Yankees lineup.

After dominating Grapefruit League action, Rice has maintained his impressive form into the 2025 campaign, establishing himself as one of the Yankees’ most reliable and potent offensive threats. With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined by elbow complications, the 25-year-old Rice has capitalized on designated hitter opportunities, maximizing each trip to the plate.

Impressive numbers through the opening week

Heading into Saturday’s matchup with the Pirates, Rice’s seven-game statistics jumped off the page: a .320 average (8-for-23), a 1.073 OPS, and consistent hard contact. Most notably, the rookie slugger entered the weekend tied for MLB’s highest average exit velocity at 100 mph—marginally outpacing even Aaron Judge (99.9 mph).

Manager Aaron Boone emphasized Rice’s consistent quality of contact in pregame comments:

“He’s killing the ball,” Boone said pregame. “Just at-bat quality and how hard he’s hitting the ball consistently [has stood out].”

Rice continued this trend Saturday, collecting a 104.4 mph single and generating a 102.9 mph flyout during a 1-for-5 performance in the Yankees’ 10-4 victory at PNC Park.

Overcoming last year’s setbacks

Rice’s journey to his current breakthrough wasn’t straightforward. After making a splash in 2024 with a .294 average and four home runs—including a memorable three-homer outburst against Boston—his production plummeted. He batted just .109 across his final 33 appearances, ultimately returning to Triple-A.

Boone maintains that Rice’s struggles weren’t as concerning as statistics suggested:

“I know he had some struggles there, but we saw a lot of good in there too,” Boone said. “The ability to hit the ball with authority — that’s only grown.”

Indeed, Rice’s 2024 average exit velocity (90 mph) hinted at the underlying potential. During the offseason, he added muscle mass, enhancing his strength and power generation. Now his contact isn’t merely solid—it’s explosive.

Finding comfort and expanding impact

The critical difference this season? Acclimation to the major league environment.

“I think having the experience under my belt changes things a little bit,” Rice said. “I think I just feel more comfortable with the team and the big league environment. That helps.”

The Baby Bomber began 2025 batting eighth but quickly ascended the order. He occupied the leadoff spot Thursday and Friday before moving to second, directly ahead of Judge, for Saturday’s contest, reflecting Boone’s increasing confidence.

Though Rice ultimately aspires toward full-time catching duties, his primary contribution during Stanton’s absence has been as the designated hitter, with one start at first base spelling Paul Goldschmidt. If he maintains his current production, the Yankees will inevitably keep his left-handed bat in the daily lineup, even following Stanton’s return.

“I know I’ve had some of our coaches say, ‘Man, he’s just got so much confidence,’ ” Boone said. “Understandably. If I’m hitting the ball like that, I’d probably feel pretty confident walking up there too.”

Beyond raw power: Ben Rice a complete hitter

While his MLB-leading exit velocity impresses, Rice’s underlying metrics suggest sustainable success. His plate discipline, quality at-bats, and all-field hitting approach provide the Yankees with versatile offensive value.

Rice experienced misfortune Friday when Andrew McCutchen robbed him of extra bases with a diving catch on a 107.9 mph liner with bases loaded. Such bad breaks haven’t disrupted his approach—something Boone has recognized in his mature performance.

“He’s a high-quality at-bat right now,” Boone said. “Physically, he’s grown. Mentally, he’s settled in. He’s right where he needs to be.”

Strengthening an already potent Yankees lineup

The Yankees, now 6-2 following their Pittsburgh victory, have produced one of their strongest offensive starts in recent years. With Judge, Anthony Volpe, Jasson Domínguez, and Oswaldo Cabrera all contributing, Rice’s emergence adds another dimension to an already dangerous batting order.

As Stanton continues rehabilitation from elbow tendinitis—reportedly weeks from returning—Rice will receive extended opportunities to cement his role in the lineup.

If the rookie hitter maintains this level of performance, the Yankees may have discovered not merely a temporary DH solution, but a cornerstone contributor.

Baby Bomber delivering on promise

Though the season remains young, Rice’s impact cannot be overlooked. From spring training standout to early-season revelation, the left-handed hitter is exceeding expectations through a combination of power, composure, and batting discipline.

For now, the Yankees are collecting wins, the offense is flourishing, and Ben Rice continues squaring up seemingly everything thrown his way. As Boone succinctly observed: “He’s killing the ball.”

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