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Yankees' Ben Rice Defies Odds, Dominates MLB
4 Apr
Summary
- Ben Rice was a 363rd overall MLB draft pick who became a top hitter.
- His hard-hit rate is exceptional, with every hit exceeding 95 mph exit velocity.
- Rice has improved against off-speed pitches, a previous weakness.
Ben Rice's ascent from a late-round draft pick to a formidable presence in the New York Yankees lineup is a story of exceptional talent and dedication. Drafted 363rd overall in 2021, Rice has rapidly transformed into one of baseball's most compelling hitters, challenging the conventional trajectories of players selected so late.
His offensive prowess is undeniable, consistently delivering hard-hit balls with every hit exceeding an average exit velocity of 95 mph. Entering the 2026 season, Rice has shown significant improvement in hitting off-speed pitches, a prior vulnerability. This development is crucial as pitchers have begun throwing him fewer fastballs.
Despite a slow start in a recent game against the Miami Marlins, Rice demonstrated his resilience, finishing 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs. This performance underscores his mental fortitude, a trait admired by teammates like Aaron Judge, especially after overcoming a significant slump in 2024.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone has high praise for Rice, viewing him as a long-term middle-of-the-order hitter. Rice's ongoing commitment to improvement, evident in his offseason work to refine mechanics and his approach against different pitch types, fuels optimism for his continued success.
