Yankees’ catching conundrum an issue in making — soon to trouble team

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NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are about to confront a dilemma that could quietly reshape their lineup construction for the second half of the season. It’s not about another pitching injury or a dramatic clubhouse rift — it’s behind the plate, where a “good problem” is brewing. And when Giancarlo Stanton returns from the injured list later this month, that problem could turn into a roster headache.

With Stanton’s return looming, the Yankees must soon choose between elite pitch-framing defense and emerging left-handed offense in their catching corps. Austin Wells, the club’s primary backstop, has struggled at the plate, while Ben Rice is making a serious case for daily inclusion in the lineup. The dilemma? Rice’s defense behind the dish remains a question mark.

Wells’ defense, but at an offensive cost

Entering 2025, Austin Wells was expected to lock down the catcher position with his defensive metrics and left-handed power. Defensively, he’s lived up to the billing. Wells ranks among the AL leaders in pitch framing and has developed a strong rapport with the Yankees’ starting rotation.

Offensively, though, the picture is less flattering. Through June 5, Wells is slashing .209/.279/.430 with a .709 OPS. For a team already battling inconsistency at the bottom of the order, that’s a major concern.

“We know what Wells brings behind the plate,” said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “But we’re also aware that lineup balance matters. It’s about finding the right blend.”

Enter Ben Rice: A bat forcing the issue

Ben Rice, 25, isn’t yet a household name. But within Yankee Stadium, he’s quickly becoming the solution no one expected. Rice has delivered a .245 average, .330 OBP, and .841 OPS over 54 games. When batting leadoff, those numbers climb even higher — a .847 OPS, making him the most productive Yankee in that role this season.

“If Ben Rice can catch twice a week, it opens up the whole lineup,” analyst Gary Sheffield Jr. said on the “Yankees Unloaded” podcast. “You’re keeping the offense intact and rotating the vets without sacrificing run production.”

Rice’s challenge is defense. Though he caught regularly in the minors, his major league experience behind the plate is limited. Concerns linger about his arm strength and pitch framing. Yet the offensive upside is too big to ignore — especially with Stanton’s return putting pressure on Boone to make room for everyone.

Stanton’s looming activation brings roster pressure

Giancarlo Stanton’s quad injury is nearly behind him, and his bat will be welcomed back into the heart of the order. But his return will squeeze the Yankees’ rotation at DH and first base — particularly with Paul Goldschmidt’s resurgent play and Cody Bellinger and Aaron Judge entrenched in the outfield.

Goldschmidt, hitting .323 with a .380 OBP overall and .350 when leading off, has arguably earned everyday DH or first base at-bats. That leaves little room for Rice — unless he catches.

“If you’re going to keep Rice’s bat in there, and you want Stanton and Goldy both active, Rice has to find a glove,” said podcast host Jake Ellenbogen. “And catcher is the only way that works.”

Grisham’s leadoff struggles add fuel to debate

While Boone juggles the catching situation, another lineup mystery continues to puzzle fans: Trent Grisham’s spot atop the order. Grisham is hitting just .204 over his last 30 games with a .323 OBP, yet remains Boone’s leadoff option. Meanwhile, Rice and Goldschmidt have been far more productive in limited leadoff opportunities.

“Playing Diamond Dynasty with the lineup,” one Yankees analyst said, “makes sense only if you’re optimizing. Grisham isn’t giving you leadoff value.”

Goldschmidt’s .350 average in 89 leadoff plate appearances offers a compelling counterpoint, but Boone’s preference for defensive stability in center field — where Grisham excels — continues to influence his daily card.

JC: The quiet backup

While the spotlight stays on Wells and Rice, J.C. Escarra is quietly holding his own. Though not spectacular offensively (.231/.339/.365), he’s a reliable backup with strong throw mechanics and improving game-calling. He offers a third option behind the plate if the Yankees decide to experiment with Rice’s flexibility or ease Wells’ workload.

A good problem, but a problem nonetheless

The Yankees are at a crossroads that could dictate not just who catches, but how the rest of the offense functions. Stanton’s return will demand at-bats. Goldschmidt’s bat can’t be taken out of the lineup. And Rice’s offensive profile makes him indispensable.

“If Boone gets this right, it unlocks the whole lineup,” one AL East scout said. “But if he plays it safe and keeps Rice on the bench or in a platoon DH role, you risk leaving production on the table.”

For now, the Yankees have the luxury of options. But in a hyper-competitive AL East, mismanaging those options could cost games. With every team in the division capable of streaks, the Yankees can’t afford to get stuck on reputation or positional rigidity.

Boone, GM Brian Cashman, and the Yankees staff must soon decide: can Ben Rice catch enough to justify keeping his bat in the lineup regularly? If yes, it might solve the logjam. If not, the Yankees face the possibility of benching a red-hot bat or sacrificing defense behind the plate.

“The best nine guys should play,” Ellenbogen said. “If that means a little catching for Rice and a little rest for Goldy, that’s the formula. This team is too talented to overcomplicate it.”

Come mid-June, the Yankees’ biggest battle may not be in the bullpen or atop the rotation. It might be behind the plate — where lineup balance, roster depth, and championship dreams collide.

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