‘This guy knows exactly what he’s doing’: Spencer Jones marvels at Ben Rice’s power

Ben Rice and Spencer Jones aren’t just two of the Yankees’ most intriguing prospects—they’re also best friends.

Their chemistry, evident in the way they joke and challenge each other, was on full display during a recent MLB Office Hours segment. The two couldn’t stop laughing, tossing jabs about power numbers, bat control, and even who’s the funnier guy in the clubhouse.

A friendship that goes beyond the game

Jones didn’t hesitate when asked about Rice. “One of my favorite teammates, one of my good friends,” he said. “He’s the kind of guy everyone roots for.”

Ben Rice, who has quickly become a fan favorite, is a versatile player—primarily a first baseman, but also an adept catcher. “You guys are just scratching the surface,” Jones added, emphasizing Rice’s intelligence and untapped potential.

Ben Rice beamed watching the clip of Jones praising him. “That’s my guy right here,” he said. “Coming up through the minors with him has been really special. I can’t wait to see what he does when he debuts.”

The back-and-forth between the two was effortless, their personalities shining through. When asked about a nickname for their friendship, they played with a few ideas—”Spice” (a fusion of Spencer and Rice) and “Bencer.” Ben Rice was quick to call the latter “kind of fire.”

Jones also made one thing clear—when it comes to raw power, he’s got Ben Rice beat. “When this guy gets one, it’s going to go a lot farther than my best bolt,” Rice admitted. Jones, however, countered with appreciation for Rice’s bat control. “Every time Ben backspins a baseball, it goes over the fence. When he top-spins it, it lands right in front of the outfielder. He knows exactly what he’s doing up there.”

Ben Rice’s breakout moment last season—a multi-homer game that included a memorable curtain call—was a point of reflection. “I didn’t even realize what was happening at first,” he admitted. “Everyone was yelling at me, pointing in different directions. Eventually, I figured it out.”

Bilingual banter and clubhouse sarcasm

Beyond their skills on the field, Ben Rice has another advantage—his ability to speak Spanish fluently. That’s come in handy, particularly at first base, where he regularly chats with opposing players. He shared a story about a conversation with Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz. “He was surprised when I started speaking Spanish to him after robbing him of a hit,” Rice laughed.

Jones, though not fluent, is picking up bits and pieces. “His Spanish is better than he lets on,” Rice said. When tested with a simple Spanish question, Jones gave it a shot—though Rice quickly took over. “I’ve had to learn Dominican Spanish,” he explained. “Most of the Latin players in our system are Dominican, so I just picked up their dialect.”

Their humor is a big part of what makes them click. “Jones will say something that makes you question your life, and then you realize he was just being funny,” Rice joked. Jones, in turn, credited Rice with having the quickest wit in the room. “The timing of his jokes is elite,” Jones said. “I take a little longer to get mine off.”

Both players have plenty to prove in 2025. Rice, despite an electric start to his MLB career, struggled down the stretch last season. The Yankees brought in Paul Goldschmidt to take over first base, meaning Rice is likely ticketed for more development time in Triple-A. His ability to play both first and catcher gives him a path back to the big leagues, though he’ll need to refine his approach at the plate.

Jones, meanwhile, is still fine-tuning his swing. He’s drawn comparisons to Aaron Judge—not just because of his towering frame, but because of the mechanical tweaks he’s making to maximize his power. Yankees hitting coach James Rowson has been keeping a close eye on his development. “There’s only one guy in this camp that can relate to Spencer’s size and skill set,” Rowson said. “That’s Judge. Having him as a resource is going to be huge.”

As they prepare for the season, Ben Rice and Jones will keep pushing each other, cracking jokes, and finding ways to elevate their games. Whether it’s debating who’s got more power, fine-tuning their Spanish, or keeping things loose in the clubhouse, their bond is undeniable. The Yankees have two rising talents in Rice and Jones—and a duo fans can’t help but root for.

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