Ben Rice

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he expects Ben Rice to play "a lot" against left-handed pitching in 2026.

Fantasy Impact

Rice, who was recently confirmed by manager Aaron Boone as the Yankees’ starting first baseman entering the season, is also expected to face more left-handed pitching in 2026. Last season, he logged just 106 at-bats against southpaws, hitting .208 with a .752 OPS, compared to 361 at-bats against right-handers, where he posted a .269 average and .860 OPS. Boone often kept him out of the lineup with Paul Goldschmidt on the roster, but with Goldschmidt now a free agent, the Yankees appear ready to give Rice the everyday role at first base rather than using him in a platoon. Given the news, and his catcher eligibility, Rice is someone worth targeting in fantasy drafts.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirmed at the Winter Meetings that Ben Rice is currently the club’s first baseman.

Fantasy Impact

Boone added that Rice "remains an option at catcher" as well for the team. He figures to continue to see starts at first base, catcher and designated hitter but first base figures to be his primary position unless the Yankees re-sign Cody Bellinger.

Ben Rice went 2-for-4 in the win over the Orioles with two home runs, two runs scored, and two RBI.

Fantasy Impact

After yesterday’s game, Rice finished the season with a .255 batting average, 26 home runs, and 65 RBI in 138 games.

Ben Rice went 3-for-4 in the Yankees’ 3-2 win over the White Sox on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Rice now has 116 hits, 62 RBI, and 24 homers across 453 at-bats. Batting .256 with a .338 OBP, he’s provided useful power and run production from his role in New York’s lineup.

Ben Rice went 4-for-5 in win over the Orioles with a home run, a double, one run scored, and five RBI.

Fantasy Impact

Rice hit only his second home run of the month on Sunday. His performance yesterday brought his season totals to a .252 batting average with 24 home runs and 62 RBI across 133 games.