Behind the Scenes: How did Yankees scouts discover Ben Rice in the dark

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Ben Rice, the Yankees’ breakout star in 2025, was discovered by the team’s scouts in an overlooked territory that others missed.

Ben Rice notched his first four-hit MLB game Thursday, driving in two runs to put the New York Yankees to a 6-3 win against the Rays. The lefty specialist is slashing .317/.414/.650 with five homers through 17 games. However, his discovery by the Yankees’ scouts came after an unlikely journey.

During the fall of 2020, when pandemic restrictions halted much of baseball, an unassuming field complex outside Boston hosted what would become one of the Yankees’ most remarkable talent finds. No professional trappings were present – players wore mismatched gear, no technology-measured performance, and analytics were nonexistent. Yet Ben Rice stood out nonetheless.

Rice, Dartmouth’s left-handed hitting prospect, had organized casual games against UMass players. From simple bleacher seats, Yankees scouts Matt Hyde and Damon Oppenheimer watched with veteran eyes, evaluating his swing, baserunning, and defensive skills through pure baseball instinct.

Working without modern metrics, they relied on firsthand observation. Rice had captured their attention earlier that summer when he earned MVP honors in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, blasting 11 homers across just 35 appearances. Hyde particularly noted how the young rookie always represented his team in the league’s unique tiebreaker – home run contests that settled deadlocked games.

When the Ivy League competition halted for 2021, Rice sought playing opportunities wherever possible: Cape Cod League, local amateur circuits, and batting practice with his father pitching. The Yankees’ confidence grew during those modest fall scrimmages, where his defensive improvements and consistent hitting impressed the veteran scouts. Internally, they nicknamed these gatherings “The Ben Rice League.”

Draft day gamble pays off

Despite lacking sophisticated analytics, the Yankees selected Rice in the 12th round of the 2021 draft with a $125,000 bonus. While competitors hesitated without data-driven profiles, the Yankees trusted traditional evaluation methods, believing the rookie offered untapped potential.

By 2024, Rice reached the majors when Anthony Rizzo landed on the injured list. His arrival featured a memorable three-homer performance against Boston, though his production later declined, leading to his playoff roster exclusion. Instead of disappointment, the rookie hitter channeled his energy into offseason development, refining his approach at the plate.

Rice emerges a powerhouse in 2025

Early in the 2025 season, Rice has transformed into one of the Yankees’ most dangerous offensive weapons. Through 17 contests, he’s posted a .317/.414/.650 line with five homers and a 1.003 OPS. His advanced metrics impress equally: 25% barrel rate, 62.5% hard-hit percentage, and 95 mph average exit velocity.

Manager Aaron Boone credits Rice as crucial to the team’s current success. Veterans like Paul Goldschmidt have praised his quality at-bats, while Aaron Judge has described him as a complete hitter – high praise from the team’s superstar.

From Dartmouth to Yankees DH

Rice’s journey defied conventional paths to the majors. At Dartmouth, coach Bob Whelan once suggested improving his mobility as a catcher. He responded by taking yoga classes, which helped him win the starting role as a freshman.

The pandemic cut his 2020 college season to just seven games, but Rice maximized his development during the shutdown. His work ethic caught Yankees scouts’ attention when other organizations looked elsewhere.

Hyde reportedly concluded his scouting report emphatically: “This guy is a Yankee.” His confidence in Rice’s character and left-handed power never wavered. Oppenheimer shared this conviction, highlighting the Yankees rookie’s determination as key to his rapid development.

What happens when Stanton returns?

Rice’s lineup prominence has coincided with Giancarlo Stanton’s elbow-related absence. As Stanton approaches his return, questions arise about the rookie’s future role. Boone has suggested possibilities including backup catching duties or sharing designated hitter responsibilities.

Austin Wells remains the primary catcher, while Paul Goldschmidt anchors first base. This creates a playing time challenge for Rice. Nevertheless, he maintains a day-by-day approach, focusing on controllable factors rather than roster decisions.

The coaching staff admires the rookie’s professional mindset. His composure amid uncertainty while preparing for multiple positions has enhanced his value to the team.

No bar future awaits for Yankees rookie

Yankees leadership envisions Rice as a long-term contributor at the major league level. His combination of power, disciplined approach, and consistent hard contact aligns perfectly with the organization’s offensive philosophy.

Rice’s discovery underscores traditional scouting’s enduring importance. In an era dominated by technology and analytics, the Yankees identified a cultural fit through direct observation. His progression from informal New England games to Yankee Stadium success represents one of the organization’s most compelling recent development stories.

Meanwhile, Rice remains grounded. He continues refining his skills at both catching and first base, maintaining readiness for whatever role emerges. His primary focus never wavers from team contribution.

He’s become a force atop the batting order. Who needs Juan Soto when Rice has been the best No. 22 in New York, working quality at-bats and driving balls beyond outfield walls? Though unconventional as a leadoff hitter, he’s thrived there. While Soto adapts to his Mets tenure, the Yankees rookie has commanded the Yankees spotlight with performances that honor his jersey number and elevate its significance. Currently, in the Bronx, only one No. 22 generates consistent headlines.

The Yankees’ faith in their scouting instincts with Ben Rice stands among their shrewdest recent decisions. If his trajectory continues, this player discovered during baseball’s darkest pandemic days might illuminate Yankee Stadium for years to come.

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