Yankees ready alternative strategy to pre-empt Ben Rice conundrum

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The New York Yankees are staring down a familiar yet enviable problem: too many bats, not enough line-up spots. As Giancarlo Stanton prepares for a return to the active roster this weekend in Boston, the front office and manager Aaron Boone are actively reshaping their tactical plans to avoid a disruption in rhythm for one of their breakout stars — Ben Rice.

Rice, 26, has been a revelation in 2025, not only establishing himself as a productive hitter but carving out a significant role during Stanton’s absence. However, with Paul Goldschmidt firmly planted at first base and Stanton expected to reclaim designated hitter duties, Rice’s continued presence in the lineup isn’t guaranteed — unless the Yankees change the structure.

And that’s exactly what the Yankees intend to do to reap a legitimate offensive weapon. Manager Aaron Boone is crafting tactical adjustments to maximize Rice’s positional flexibility—potentially including catching duties. according to Jack Curry of the YES Network.

Rice’s breakout creates welcome challenge

Ben Rice entered the season as a fringe contributor. Now, he’s earned everyday consideration. Over 58 games, the left-handed hitter has slashed .239/.323/.487 with 12 home runs, 11 doubles, 33 runs, 23 RBIs, and a 130 wRC+ — ranking him among the Yankees’ most efficient power hitters behind Aaron Judge.

His power numbers rank third on the Yankees in home runs and fourth in doubles. This production level demands line-up inclusion.

He’s primarily operated as a DH and backup first baseman. But with both of those roles occupied upon Stanton’s return, Boone is crafting an unorthodox but necessary shift: reintroducing Rice as a catcher.

Rice primarily plays first base and designated hitter at the major league level. However, his minor league background includes extensive catching experience.

Though he’s logged just under 8 innings behind the plate in the majors, Rice has remained in catching drills all season under the supervision of Yankees catching coordinator Tanner Swanson. His latest in-game stint — two innings during a blowout win in Kansas City — drew rave reviews from Boone, who called his mechanics “noticeably excellent.”

Boone hints at expanded catching opportunities ahead.

“I’ll say with Benny, Benny’s not just a really good hitter that, ‘Oh by the way, he can catch too,'” Boone explained. “This is a skilled catcher. He has demonstrated in his minor league career, that this is a really good receiver.”

Stanton’s activation forces roster puzzle

The 35-year-old Stanton continues rehabilitation progress. He went 1-for-4 in Wednesday’s second consecutive minor league contest. The Yankees will make activation decisions later this week.

Stanton will reclaim DH duties, which leaves Boone balancing the veteran slugger’s at-bats with the offensive production of Rice. With Goldschmidt entrenched at first, it becomes a classic three-player-two-spot scenario — unless Rice expands his versatility.

That’s exactly the plan.

Boone confirmed Rice will begin receiving spot starts at catcher — not to replace Austin Wells, but to supplement the lineup’s firepower. Wells, who has posted a .227/.294/.476 slash with a 111 wRC+, remains the starter, while JC Escarra continues to serve as the defensive-minded backup.

“Beyond that, he can move Rice between first base and DH,” noted SNY’s Andy Martino. “He could start at catcher occasionally, but Escarra shouldn’t see his playing time significantly reduced.”

Boone’s solution involves expanding Rice’s utility across first base, DH, and catching positions. This approach preserves Rice’s offensive contributions while Stanton resumes DH duties. The strategy maintains both players’ roster value and balances at-bat distribution.

Roster impact and Yankees planning

The plan doesn’t involve replacing Austin Wells as the primary catcher. Rice would receive occasional spot starts, similar to J.C. Escarra’s 16 starts this season. This creates a three-catcher rotation that Boone called “a challenge, but doable too.”

Rice’s offensive ceiling is clearly higher than Escarra’s, and even potentially Wells’. While the Yankees are not pushing a full catching transition, they’re committed to testing Rice’s positional flexibility. The goal is clear: keep his bat in the lineup.

Boone acknowledged the balancing act: “At some point, we’ll probably get him back there in a game. The biggest challenge will be actually going out there and catching six, seven, eight, nine innings.”

That may not happen often, but even one game a week behind the plate could be enough to maintain Rice’s rhythm without disrupting Goldschmidt or Stanton’s routines.

Internally, Rice is viewed as a foundational piece of the Yankees’ next-generation core — alongside Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, and Spencer Jones. All are 26 or younger and contributing regularly on a postseason-contending team.

Some in the organization have even compared Rice’s build and work ethic to Mark Teixeira, and there are whispers of a future pairing with Aaron Judge as “Mash Brothers 2.0.” According to a team source, “If this production keeps up, he’s not just part of the future — he’s a reason to rethink how we build it.”

Off-limits at the deadline

With the trade deadline approaching, there was speculation Rice’s name might surface in blockbuster talks. That notion appears off the table.

Sources say Brian Cashman has made Rice untouchable, even as teams inquire. Given Goldschmidt’s impending free agency and Stanton’s injury history — not to mention his contract through 2028 — Rice is viewed as the likely long-term solution at first base.

Financially and strategically, keeping Rice while managing Stanton’s usage provides more flexibility and less risk. Stanton may be a proven playoff bat, but Rice offers youth, power, and positional adaptability.

The real question: How do Yankees bench Rice?

This isn’t just about platooning. It’s about recognition. The Yankees are no longer asking whether Rice can handle MLB pitching. They’re asking how they can justify removing him from the line-up — and that alone marks a shift.

Rice has even started working on third base in practice settings, though there are currently no plans for him to play there in games.

“You can’t keep that kind of production on the bench,” one AL East scout said. “If anything, Stanton needs to be the one sharing time.”

As the Yankees prepare for Stanton’s return, they aren’t just managing a veteran star. They’re shaping the balance between win-now urgency and long-term roster identity.

Boone’s juggling act won’t be easy. But one thing is certain: Ben Rice has forced their hand. Not with politics. Not with pedigree. With production.

And that’s a problem the Yankees are glad to have.

Rice’s continued offensive success and defensive improvement solidify the Yankees’ commitment to finding playing time. Whether catching, designated hitting, or playing first base, his Bronx future grows stronger daily.

The real challenge no longer centers on Rice’s role utilization. Stanton’s pending return tests Boone’s roster management skills and the Yankees’ strategic depth.

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