This week, the Yankees #12 prospect C/1B Ben Rice was finally promoted to Triple-A. Rice was slashing .261/.382/.511 with a 151 wRC+. The main reason for Rice being held down was his ability to play consistently behind the plate. The Yankees have utilized him at both catcher and first base, the Yankees were likely waiting until they felt his defense was ready for the promotion.
Rice could be a factor for the Yankees sooner than later. With the struggles of veteran 1B Anthony Rizzo, Ben Rice could become a factor in the Yankees lineup at some point during this summer especially if he continues to hit. Rice has some very good power that will play at Yankee Stadium, and in the big leagues in general. Rice has a very good offensive profile with high exit velocities and good walk rates with a strikeout rate that isn’t too high.
Ben Rice also has a very different development path than most prospects, he lost two years of development due to the pandemic, leaving him in Triple-A at 25 years old. He debuted in the minor leagues at the end of the 2021 season, and begun his first full minor league season at the age of 23, which only makes his rise more impressive.
BS Reports 
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