Who is Ben Rice and why is his story notable in MLB?

Ben Rice is a New York Yankees hitter who was a 363rd overall draft pick in 2021, a rare trajectory for a player who has become one of baseball's most compelling hitters.

What makes Ben Rice's hitting performance stand out?

Rice consistently hits the ball hard, with every recorded hit exceeding an average exit velocity of 95 mph, and he has shown improvement against off-speed pitches.

What is Ben Rice's outlook for the rest of the season?

With his continued development and strong performance, Ben Rice is seen as a potential middle-of-the-order hitter for the Yankees for a long time.

Home / Sports / Yankees' Ben Rice Defies Odds, Dominates MLB

Yankees' Ben Rice Defies Odds, Dominates MLB

4 Apr

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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.

Yankees' Ben Rice Defies Odds, Dominates MLB

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.