Yankees clear stance on Ben Rice amid growing MLB-wide trade buzz
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Follow UsNew York — The New York Yankees have made their position clear on first baseman Ben Rice. This comes as teams across the league continue to inquire about the 26 year old during a busy offseason.
The organization has been fielding steady interest in Rice after his breakout year. General manager Brian Cashman addressed the growing speculation at the Major League Baseball general managers meetings. His message signaled that rival clubs hoping to acquire Rice should not expect the Yankees to budge.
Trade calls keep coming for breakout star
Rice became one of the most popular names in trade talks following his strong 2025 performance. Several teams contacted the Yankees to ask about his availability. Reports from the New York Post stated that Rice has been the most requested player in conversations involving the Yankees roster.
“I have no doubt teams will continue to come after our players, Rice included, for trade conversations,” Cashman said. “But as of right now, he’s in our lineup and the more likely spot would be first base.”
His comments made the Yankees intentions clear. The club is not looking to move a hitter who showed major growth and produced at a level that impressed both fans and analysts.
Cashman emphasizes Rice’s roster security
Cashman also spoke about Rice’s likely role entering the 2026 season. He explained that the team expects him to be a major part of the Yankees plans if no major changes occur.
“But he can catch as well,” Cashman said. “I have [Austin] Wells as our catcher and him at first, but you never know how the winds of change blow here every winter.”
The general manager noted that aggressive offers always appear during the offseason. Yet he made it clear that the Yankees see Rice as a strong fit for their current structure.
“There’ll be challenge trades made to us or by us and most will lead nowhere and with one team insulting the other and vice versa,” Cashman said. “More likely than not, I see him at first base. We’re really proud of the season he just had.”
Elite metrics support Yankees reluctance
The Yankees stance becomes even stronger when looking at Rice’s advanced metrics. His underlying numbers during the 2025 season placed him among the best power hitters in Major League Baseball.
Rice ranked in the 97th percentile in hard hit rate. His expected slugging percentage and expected weighted on base average were also near the top of the league. His average exit velocity reached 94.4 mph, which ranked sixth across MLB. His 55.9 percent hard hit rate tied him for seventh and fueled his nickname among Yankees fans, “Benny Barrels.”
These numbers suggest that Rice’s production had room to grow. They support the Yankees view that his value is higher than many teams may realize.
Positional versatility adds extra value
Rice played multiple roles throughout the 2025 season. He appeared at catcher, first base and designated hitter. His versatility gives the Yankees more roster flexibility and adds depth behind the plate.
Rice also adjusted well to first base even with limited early experience at the position. He continued to show steady defense while also staying prepared as a backup catcher.
Paul Goldschmidt, who joined the Yankees late in the season, described Rice’s daily routine. He recalled seeing Rice catch a bullpen session before Game 4 of the ALDS and then shift to first base to practice ground balls.
“That’s incredibly hard to do,” Goldschmidt said. “Just a guy who continues to learn and get better. Great asset to this organization.”
Financial flexibility strengthens case
Rice remains one of the best financial values on the Yankees roster. His salary for 2025 was $782,800 and he is projected to earn around $820,000 in 2026. This cost efficient production helps New York manage their payroll while pursuing higher priced veterans elsewhere.
Rice will not be arbitration eligible until after the 2026 season. That gives the Yankees at least one more year of low cost power at a position that often requires large contracts. This structure supports both short term competitiveness and long term planning.
First base appears likely destination
Cashman’s comments indicate that first base is Rice’s long term spot. The Yankees want consistency at the position after relying on older players in recent years.
Committing Rice to first base would fill that vacancy. It would also raise questions about catching depth, since Austin Wells currently holds the starting job. The Yankees also have left handed catchers Rice and J.C. Escarra in the mix. Cashman suggested that the club may look for a right handed option behind the plate.
“The catching market is very thin, but we’ll see,” Cashman said. “It’s a benefit of having balance at, without a doubt.”
The Yankees push to keep Rice fits their broader approach. The organization has shifted toward developing homegrown hitters instead of depending only on expensive acquisitions.
Numbers that support the Yankees bet
Rice produced steady power throughout the 2025 season. He hit .255 with 26 home runs, 65 RBIs and an .836 OPS. Those totals placed him behind Aaron Judge among Yankees hitters and provided needed left handed strength in the lineup.
His contact quality was among the best on the team. Statcast data recorded a 93.3 mph average exit velocity, a 56.1 percent hard hit rate and a 15.4 percent barrel rate. The Yankees see these traits as building blocks that make Rice a long term fit.
New York wants Rice at first base and Wells catching. That keeps both players in everyday roles and strengthens roster balance. Rice’s bat profiles well at first base and helps stabilize the Yankees infield and middle of the order.
Why keeping Rice fits Yankees roster math
There are clear reasons for the Yankees to hold onto Rice. They need left handed power to complement right handed stars. Rice offers that balance. His low cost control also helps the Bronx Bombers navigate payroll restrictions.
Trading Rice would create a major hole at first base. It would also require a return that teams rarely offer for cost controlled hitters. The Yankees show no signs of believing such a deal is realistic.
Rice also earned trust with big performances. One of the biggest came with a 10th inning grand slam against the Orioles that kept the Yankees playoff hopes alive. Moments like this strengthened his position in the lineup and within the clubhouse.
Rice’s rise and consistent performance explain why the Yankees continue to hold a firm line. Opposing teams can call, but New York appear set on keeping a player they believe is just beginning to reach his ceiling.
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