The New York Yankees’ infield was an issue for most of the season, and the team could be exploring changes this offseason. With Paul Goldschmidt on the open market, Ben Rice is expected to take over at first base full-time.

Rice had a breakout season, hitting 26 home runs with an .836 OPS. While he figures to be a starter next year, FanSided’s Jake Elman also called him the Yankees’ best trade chip. He is under contract through 2030 and could be used to improve the Yankees’ infield elsewhere. Elman noted that it would be easier to replace Rice than it would be to replace another potential trade chip like Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Rice is a young slugger who is ready to be an everyday player. He could fetch the Yankees a star in return, and Elman proposed that the Yankees deal him to the Atlanta Braves for Ozzie Albies.

“Which team makes the most sense? Atlanta Braves,” wrote Elman. “Rice can be the everyday DH and catch when Drake Baldwin needs a break, assuming that the Braves trade Sean Murphy.”

Albies is a three-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger. The last two seasons have been rough for the veteran, however. He missed over 60 games in 2024 with an injury, and last season, he had a down season overall. However, he ended the year on a high note.

In the second half, he slashed .272/.330/.439 with nine home runs. He also had a .787 OPS in his final 20 games. The Braves picked up his $7 million club option this offseason. He has another $7 million option for next season. The Yankees could grab Albies for Rice and move him back to shortstop.

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