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The New York Yankees have received plenty of heat for how they have handled their offseason. After all, the club is essentially running it back with mostly the same roster as last year. So far, GM Brian Cashman has resisted making a major new splash in free agency. Instead, New York has focused on re-signing Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham.

While the two outfielders were key to the club in 2025, Yankees fans worry that management is not doing enough. Despite this, no American League team recorded more wins last season than New York. The club also reached an impressive 94 victories on the campaign without ace Gerrit Cole. Assuming Cole, as well as Carlos Rodon and Luis Gil, recover from various injuries, the Yankees should be okay in 2026.

Along with these star pitchers, New York should also benefit from the development of a few youngsters. One particular player that seems set for a big 2026 is Ben Rice. The 26-year-old slugger previously posted a .836 OBS last season. This particular figure ranked third on the team, only behind Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.

Sports Illustrated is now predicting that Rice will evolve into an All-Star in the coming season. The outlet backed up the claim by pointing to his impressive rookie campaign and the fact that he will likely receive even more playing time in 2026. Rice essentially split his time between first base, catcher, and designated hitter last year. Nevertheless, the versatile hitter is expected to be the opening day starter at first base.

Ben Rice’s Versatility Will Help Him Stay in the New York Yankees Lineup

GettyBen Rice should become an everyday starter with the New York Yankees in 2026.

Slugger Paul Goldschmidt was New York’s typical first baseman throughout 2025. The veteran, however, is now a free agent and looking for a new team. The Yankees have been linked with bringing back Goldschmidt in the coming weeks, though. If this is the case, Rice’s playing time at first base would seemingly dwindle.

Nevertheless, the youngster will likely remain in the starting lineup either way. Manager Aaron Boone cannot afford to keep Rice on the bench. The budding star will likely continue filling in for catcher Austin Wells at times, while also being an extremely capable designated hitter.

Undoubtedly, the biggest area of concern for Rice heading towards 2026 is how he handled left-handed pitchers a year ago. The slugger managed to hit just .208 in 119 plate appearances against southpaws throughout 2025. If he is going to develop into an All-Star, he will likely have to improve in this particular area.

Rice Will Have Plenty of Competition to Earn All-Star Spot

Assuming Rice is set to mostly feature at first base, he will have to supplant Toronto Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the All-Star starter at the position. Guerrero earned a spot on the American League’s 2025 Midsummer Classic, along with Tampa Bay Rays breakout star Jonathan Aranda. Looking ahead, Rice will also have competition at the position with Pete Alonso, Nick Kurtz, and Josh Naylor.

The Yankees had four All-Star players in 2025: Jazz Chisholm, Max Fried, Judge, and Rodon. Rice adding to the list would be huge for the club. The slugger’s development and increase in playing time should also boost New York’s dominance as the best-hitting team in all of baseball.

Christopher Moore Christopher Moore has been a Heavy.com contributor since 2025. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he has published thousands of articles reporting on multiple professional sports. He was previously a sports writer for World Soccer Talk, the Yahoo! Contributor Network, and the Maryland Sports Blog. More about Christopher Moore

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