Smart At-Bats Yield Breakout Season From Yankees’ Ben Rice
Rice is best served warm.
Ben Rice did one better, starting hot and staying hot all season. Now, the 24-year-old catcher is one of the fastest risers in the Yankees organization after an injury-delayed start to his season.
The Dartmouth product was a 12th-round pick in 2021 despite very little NCAA experience, a reality amplified by the Ivy League opting not to play in his draft year.
“We have the internal stuff that we pay attention to, so I wouldn’t say I was totally under the radar within our own organization,” Rice said, “but in terms of the public eye, I would say I was definitely able to boost my stock a little bit and put myself on the map.”
In his breakout season, Rice hit .324/.434/.615 with 20 home runs in 73 games, most of them at Double-A Somerset. In his time in the Eastern League he started 24 games at catcher, 14 at first base and another nine at DH.
“I wouldn’t say you expect those numbers, but capable, yes,” Rice said. “It’s knowing what I’m doing well and keeping that consistency—a lot of contact, hitting it hard, keep making good decisions and staying true to my approach.
“I want to be smart in my at-bats and really just let everything take care of itself from there.”
At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Rice provides a significant presence at catcher, but he must contend with fellow prospect Austin Wells for playing time behind the plate in the Bronx.
While Rice takes pride in his defense at catcher, he knows that if his lefthanded bat continues to carry him that playing first base may create a quicker path to MLB.
“I feel comfortable (at first base),” Rice said. “(but) it’s been slow progress . . .
“Even if it’s just once or twice a week, getting as many reps under my belt as possible is so important, and that’s something I’m going to focus on in the offseason, just rounding myself out as a player.”
