A lifelong Yankees supporter from Cohasset, Massachusetts, Rice grew up idolizing Derek Jeter in Red Sox territory. His journey from Dartmouth College to the Bronx showcases resilience, power, and versatility, with his Spanish fluency and athletic background adding depth to his story.
Born February 22, 1999, in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Rice defied his Red Sox-leaning surroundings by embracing the Yankees. “I liked the team that won the most, and I liked Derek Jeter,” he said, recalling his Yankees jersey in first-grade photos. His debut at Yankee Stadium on June 18, 2024, against the Orioles marked a dream fulfilled. Rice’s early athleticism included hockey, influenced by his mother, Sophie, a former figure skater, and he excelled in both sports at Noble and Greenough School, captaining the baseball team.
At Dartmouth, Rice studied psychology and played catcher, but the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the 2020 and 2021 Ivy League seasons, limiting him to 30 games. He adapted by playing in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League, hitting .392 in 2019 and .350 in 2020, and shone in the 2021 Cape Cod League (.300 in 30 at-bats). The Yankees drafted him in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, banking on his raw hitting talent despite limited college stats.
Rice’s pro career started slowly, hitting .197 in 2021 across rookie ball and Single-A. In 2022, he improved to .267/.368/.442 with nine home runs in Single-A Tampa. His 2023 season was a breakthrough, with a .324/.434/.615 line, 20 home runs, and 68 RBIs across three levels. Named the Yankees’ Hitting Prospect of the Year by MLB Pipeline, Rice hit .294/.428/.661 in Triple-A in 2024, earning a call-up.
Rice debuted on June 18, 2024, after Anthony Rizzo’s injury, notching his first hit against the Orioles. On July 6, he made history as the first Yankees rookie to hit three home runs in a game, driving in seven RBIs against the Red Sox. In 2025, Rice earned an Opening Day roster spot, hitting .350 with two home runs and a grand slam by mid-June, showcasing elite metrics (100th percentile in xSLG, xwOBA, and exit velocity).
Fluent in Spanish since middle school, Rice strengthens team chemistry in the Yankees’ diverse clubhouse. His adjusted 27-degree batting stance and added muscle have fueled nine home runs and a .902 OPS in 2025, ranking him fifth in the AL. His 17.6% walk rate and low chase rate highlight his discipline.
Rice’s role is fluid with Paul Goldschmidt at first base and Giancarlo Stanton’s return looming. His .225 May average shows growing pains, but his power and plate discipline suggest staying power. If he sustains his early 2025 form, Rice could secure a long-term spot at first base or DH.
Ben Rice’s rise from a Yankees-obsessed kid to a record-setting rookie reflects his talent and grit. His Spanish fluency and elite hitting metrics make him a fan favorite, and his 2025 performance signals a bright future. As the Yankees chase a title, Rice’s emergence alongside Aaron Judge fuels hope for a new era in the Bronx.