The New York Yankees are in a unique position of wealth, and uncertainty, as the 2025 season surges into its summer stretch. While veteran slugger Giancarlo Stanton is almost ready to return from two shoulder ligament problems, rookie sensation Ben Rice has emerged as a serious offensive danger.
The outcome? A sophisticated dilemma in the center of the Bronx.
Yankees’ Ben Rice Showing Indisputable Power
Rice has shown up as a tremendous surprise. The second-year lefty has a .825 OPS, 12 home runs, and 25 RBIs — those lofty numbers place him in the top 35 of Major League Baseball. Although his hitting average and RBIs rank tied for 113th and 116th, respectively, Rice’s raw power is indisputable.
His current .241/.330/.505 slash line indicates further potential, with his predicted metrics (.294/.381/.575,.412 xwOBA) indicating that he has been having some terrible luck at the plate. Either way, the young slugger still has room to grow.
Ben Rice
Expected:
.294/.381/.575, .412 xwOBAActual:
.242/.330/.505, .362 wOBA— Barry (Aaron Judge enjoyer) (@YanksBar) June 9, 2025
Meanwhile, veteran Paul Goldschmidt has solidified his hold on first base, slashing .312 with a .833 OPS. He’s become a linchpin in the Yankees’ offense and clubhouse, making it nearly impossible to justify moving him from the position.
That leaves Rice at DH, or at least it did.
Giancarlo Stanton, the once-feared juggernaut of the Yankees’ lineup, is inching closer to a midseason return. Despite his injury history, Stanton remains a force when healthy, and his contract all but guarantees him at-bats upon activation.
That creates a positional logjam. With first base occupied and Rice’s defensive flexibility limited, how does manager Aaron Boone keep everyone’s bat in the lineup?
Balancing Power, Roles, and Potential
One possibility is a rotation. Stanton, Goldschmidt, and Rice could split duties at designated hitter and first base. This would create a three-man cycle to keep everyone fresh. The unorthodox platoon could mitigate Stanton’s injury risk and offer rest for the 37-year-old Goldschmidt.
However, it’s a delicate balancing act since rhythm at the plate often demands consistent reps. Giving Rice practice in left field is a riskier alternative that would call for defensive improvement as well as faith from the Yankees’ coaching staff. If it works, it might open up an intimidating lineup with Rice in the outfield, Goldy at first, and Stanton at DH.
The Yankees have one of the finest offenses in the American League, and their numbers are getting better. Any manager would be happy to have too many good bats as they compete for a postseason spot.
Stanton’s return may force the Yankees to redefine roles and reconsider consistency versus potential. But one thing is clear: Ben Rice belongs in the big leagues. Whether as a DH, pinch-hitter, or eventual everyday player, his bat has earned its place in the Bronx.