For all the excitement surrounding Austin Wells as the Yankees’ catcher of the future, another prospect has forced his way into the conversation.
Breakout prospect Ben Rice enjoyed a superb season in the minor leagues last season. The 24-year-old slashed .324/.434/.615 with 20 homers and 68 RBI in just 73 games between Low-A, High-A and Double-A.
Rice is currently ranked as the Bombers’ No. 21 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. However, his 2023 season will likely significantly boost his prospect status. The left-handed hitter was selected by the Yankees in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB draft and has flown under the radar ever since.
The backstop played in just 23 games during his first season in the minors then spent all of 2022 with Low-A Tampa — posting just a .801 OPS in 68 games. Then, Rice missed the first two months of the 2023 season with a back injury before darting up the minor league levels.
Scouting also doesn’t appear to be in his favor as MLB Pipeline used the following to describe him:
“With a compact yet strong left-handed swing and good strike-zone management, Rice has improved the frequency and quality of his contact this summer. Though he went deep five times in his first 12 Double-A games, he’s still a hit-over-power guy who might max out around 15 homers per season. He has yet to do much damage against southpaws as a pro, so he may not be more than a platoon player.”
Despite the lack of love, what Rice did throughout the minors last season is tough to ignore, and it will be tough for the Bombers to ignore as well — especially as a left-hander who was pulling the ball in the air.
There are actually a few paths for Rice to make his big league debut at some point this season with an opportunity to stick around. The Yankees’ catching situation changed a bit when Kyle Higashioka was traded to San Diego in the deal for Juan Soto. After Jose Trevino — who played just 55 games last season after undergoing wrist surgery — and Wells, there isn’t much competition for the third catcher role that navigated between Triple-A and the bigs.
Ben Rortvedt occupied that position last season, however, his performance was lackluster. Rortvedt slashed .118/.241/.221 in 32 games for the Yanks in 2023.
Rice caught 37 of his 78 games last season. The prospect also spent 15 games at first base, a position where the Yankees lack some depth.
DJ LeMahieu is penciled in as the Yankees’ backup first baseman, however, he also was slated as the starting third baseman by Aaron Boone at the winter meetings. Anthony Rizzo is clearly entering the season as their starter, however, should another injury occur for the veteran, Rice could be just one call away from the bigs.
The Bombers are going to need all the help they can get in 2024 after an 82-80 season, and if Rice — who will likely begin the season at Double-A —continues to produce at the rate he did last season, it will be difficult for Brian Cashman and company to ignore a power-hitting lefty who can play two positions where his club lacks depth.
