Ben Rice: New York Yankees Rising Star

Ben Rice is an American professional baseball player who serves as a first baseman, designated hitter, and catcher for the New York Yankees in MLB. Born February 22, 1999, in Cohasset, Massachusetts, Rice attended Dartmouth College before being selected by the Yankees in the 12th round (363rd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft Source 8.

Early Life and Background

Rice grew up in Cohasset, Massachusetts, and played college baseball at Dartmouth before turning professional. The Yankees drafted him out of Dartmouth in 2021, setting the stage for his rapid rise through the organization.

Professional Career

MLB Debut and Role

Rice made his MLB debut on June 18, 2024. He primarily plays first base, designated hitter, and catcher while batting left-handed and throwing right-handed Source 2.

Physical Profile

At 6’2“ and 228 pounds, the 27-year-old (as of 2026) brings a strong, athletic frame to multiple positions Source 3.

2025-2026 Performance and Recognition

Rice’s strong offensive output placed him in early AL MVP discussions by mid-June 2025. He ranked among MLB’s unluckiest hitters per advanced metrics on Baseball Savant, with actual results lagging behind strong underlying data Source 5. He has emerged as a key contributor to the Yankees’ core lineup Source 10.

Playing Style and Versatility

His multi-positional flexibility enhances his value, and manager Aaron Boone could expand his lineup usage further Source 6. Rice frequently monitors his personal advanced stats for performance validation.

Online Presence

Rice maintains an active Instagram account (@ben_rice22) with 126K followers Source 7.

FAQ

What position does Ben Rice primarily play?
Ben Rice serves as a first baseman, designated hitter, and catcher for the New York Yankees.

When was Ben Rice drafted?
He was selected by the New York Yankees in the 12th round (363rd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Where did Ben Rice attend college?
Ben Rice played college baseball at Dartmouth before turning professional.

How tall is Ben Rice?
He stands at 6 feet 2 inches (6’2“) and weighs 228 pounds.

Has Ben Rice received any MVP consideration?
Yes, his strong offensive performance in 2025 placed him in early AL MVP discussions by mid-June.

What makes Ben Rice statistically notable?
Despite strong underlying metrics, Rice ranks among MLB’s unluckiest hitters, with actual results lagging behind advanced data.