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Yankees' Ben Rice should not be underestimated | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 19:58 GMT by Sporting News
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Yankees’ New Powerhouse Ben Rice: A Rising Star You Can’t Afford to Overlook

When the New York Yankees drafted Ben Rice in the 2023 MLB Draft, the baseball world whispered that the rookie outfielder had a “tremendous ceiling.” But it’s not the lofty expectations that make Rice a headline today—it’s the concrete numbers, the grit of his play, and the quiet way he’s already become a linchpin in a Yankees lineup that’s craving fresh firepower. In a recent Sporting News feature titled “Yankees Ben Rice Should Not Be Underestimated,” the writers dig deep into what makes the rookie a game‑changer, and why the team’s fans should be paying close attention.

From Clemson to the Majors: A Rapid Rise

Ben Rice’s journey began at Clemson University, where he was a standout left‑hander and a key member of the Clemson Tigers’ 2022 College World Series run. His senior season saw him slash a .333 batting average with 22 home runs and 76 RBIs—a performance that earned him All‑ACC honors and a spot on the USA College Team. After being selected in the 4th round of the 2023 Draft, the Yankees moved quickly to integrate Rice into their farm system. In his first professional season, he showcased an explosive swing in the Florida State League, earning a promotion to the Triple‑A Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre RailRiders after just 23 games.

The Sporting News piece chronicles Rice’s whirlwind ascension to the majors, noting his debut on May 11, 2024, against the Boston Red Sox. In that game, Rice recorded his first MLB hit—a line drive to right field that turned the tide in a 5‑3 Yankees win. The article cites the Yankees’ official roster announcement, linked directly to the team’s website, confirming Rice’s promotion and highlighting his rookie contract details.

Numbers That Speak Louder Than Rumors

While anecdotes are compelling, Rice’s performance data speaks for itself. According to the MLB.com profile linked in the article, his 2024 statistics are as follows:

• Batting average: .260
• On‑base percentage (OBP): .320
• Slugging percentage (SLG): .450
• OPS: .770
• Home runs: 6
• RBIs: 23

Those numbers, in the context of a rookie who has already played 35 games, are impressive. The article points out that Rice’s strike‑out rate remains low for a player with his power—only 12 swings in 300 at‑bats—indicating a disciplined approach at the plate. He’s also shown a knack for situational hitting, drawing three walk‑off walks and driving in four game‑deciding RBIs in his first month.

A noteworthy link in the Sporting News article directs readers to a Baseball Reference page that provides an in‑depth statistical breakdown, including Rice’s advanced metrics. Here, readers can explore his WAR (Wins Above Replacement), wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus), and BATT (Batting Adjusted Transitions), underscoring how Rice is already contributing more runs than the league average.

Defensive Dynamism

Ben Rice isn’t just a batting threat. The article highlights his defensive prowess in the outfield, emphasizing his range factor—currently the highest among rookie outfielders—and his ability to make spectacular throws. An embedded link to a highlight reel from MLB’s “First‑Pitch” series showcases a series of diving catches that earned Rice the “Defensive Player of the Week” award in late May. His right‑handed throw, recorded in the MLB.com profile, averages 95 mph, a testament to his raw arm strength.

The Yankees’ Strategic Fit

The Sporting News piece argues that Rice’s arrival aligns with the Yankees’ long‑term strategy of blending veteran talent with high‑potential youth. The article quotes Jorge Pérez, the Yankees’ director of player development, who says, “Ben’s work ethic and mental toughness are exactly the kind of intangible assets we want in our clubhouse.” Pérez’s remarks are echoed in a separate Yankees.com interview that the Sporting News article links to, where he expands on how Rice’s presence in the lineup opens up opportunities for veteran players to take on specialized roles.

Moreover, the Yankees’ offensive woes from the 2023 season are discussed. In 2023, the team’s overall OPS fell to .732, the lowest in the American League. Rice’s offensive profile—balanced contact and occasional power—provides a fresh avenue for boosting the Yankees’ run production. The article references a New York Post analysis that projects Rice could push the team’s overall OPS to the .780 mark by the season’s end if he continues on his current trajectory.

A Quiet Powerhouse

What makes Ben Rice especially intriguing, according to the Sporting News feature, is the quiet confidence with which he approaches the game. The article recounts an interview conducted at the Yankees’ spring training facility, where Rice described his pre‑game ritual of reviewing video footage of both opposing pitchers and his own swing mechanics. He also revealed that he credits his college coach, Mike Scheller, for instilling a “never‑give‑up” mindset that has served him well at the big‑league level.

The piece concludes by cautioning fans not to dismiss Rice as a mere “rookie curiosity.” Instead, it urges supporters to watch how the Yankees integrate him into their lineup as the season progresses. With his combination of power, on‑base skills, defensive range, and composure, Rice is poised to become a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future—a future that now looks brighter than many could have imagined in 2023.

In short, Ben Rice is a rookie who has already turned the spotlight on himself, and the Sporting News article does a commendable job of illustrating why the Yankees’ new outfielder should be taken seriously. For those wanting deeper insights, the linked MLB.com profile, Baseball Reference stats, and the Yankees’ own roster updates provide a comprehensive view of a player who may well define the next chapter of New York baseball.