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Ben Rice's recent play puts Yankees in difficult position
New York Yankees designated hitter Ben Rice. Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

The Yankees are set to welcome Giancarlo Stanton back from the injured list in the relatively near future. Bringing the slugger back into the fold can only be a good thing for the offense overall, but it does create one major issue for the team: finding playing time for breakout DH Ben Rice. With Stanton set to reclaim DH on a regular basis and Paul Goldschmidt entrenched at first base for the time being, it’s going to be difficult for Rice to get the same level of playing time he has to this point in the season.

Losing him as a regular in the lineup would be a shame, however, as the 26-year-old has slashed an excellent .240/.326/.495 with a wRC+ of 130 across 57 games this year. That’s already not been quite an everyday role due to the outfield logjam created by the emergence of Trent Grisham in an outfield that was already committed to Jasson Dominguez and Cody Bellinger as regulars alongside Aaron Judge, but Rice has still been a fixture of the club’s lineup this year.

There have been some indications that Stanton may not start every single day upon his return in order to keep him healthier throughout the remainder of the year and allow Rice to get keep getting starts, but Jack Curry of the YES Network relays that Aaron Boone told reporters today that Rice could get some starts behind the plate when Stanton returns. It comes as a bit of a surprise since Rice hasn’t made a single appearance at catcher this season, but it’s not entirely out of left field. Rice has continued to do pregame work as a catcher this season even as he’s settled into a DH and backup first base role, and of course spent the majority of his time in the minor leagues as a catcher.

Austin Wells has held his own behind the plate this year with a .227/.294/.476 (111 wRC+) slash line in 56 games, but Rice undeniably has a bigger bat. Getting the slugger even one start a week behind the plate would significantly improve his path towards significant playing time in the lineup, as it would allow Goldschmidt and Stanton to both start the majority of games at first base and DH respectively while still allowing Rice to remain at least a half-time player. Of course, it’s possible a catcher experiment could be short-lived for Rice if he proves to be a liability defensively behind the plate, but it’s still an exciting opportunity for the youngster to prove himself capable at his natural position and earn more playing time down the stretch this year.

Whether Rice will continue to get a more extended look as a semi-regular option behind the plate remains to be seen. It seems likely that J.C. Escarra will continue to remain on the roster as a more traditional backup for Wells given the fact that Rice figures to continue being in the DH mix on a regular basis. It’s not impossible to imagine that changing if Rice takes to the position especially well, but it’s also possible that an injury to Stanton or Goldschmidt at some point could create an opening for Rice elsewhere that pushes him off the position. When talented young players are blocked within their current organization, that often leads to trade speculation as the deadline approaches. It seems unlikely that the Yankees would consider going down that path with Rice, however, given that Goldschmidt is set to reach free agency after this season and Rice looks to be a fairly natural choice to take the reins at first base in 2026.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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He skipped voluntary workouts and was a noticeable “hold-in” during the mandatory minicamp, a move that many speculated was tied to his contract situation. When asked directly about his absence, Jenkins pointed to a family matter as his reason for sitting out of voluntary activities. “It wasn’t about the contract. I had things to take care of at home,” Jenkins told reporters. While his explanation seemed straightforward, it only partially aligned with reality. Questions remain about why Jenkins didn’t actively participate during mandated events, and his response leaves room for interpretation. “I wasn’t on the field, but I’ve been locked in. My focus has always been to help this team,” he added. It’s hard not to sense a layer of unspoken tension. At the core of Jenkins’ holdout appears to be his financial future with the Packers. His current deal, a four-year extension signed in 2022, carries non-guaranteed money through 2026. 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At the time, he embraced the idea, but his reported hesitation heading into this season sparked speculation. “I’ll do anything for the team,” Jenkins asserted post-practice. “But making a move like that, you have to take time to adjust—mentally and physically. These things don’t happen overnight, and I want to be in the best position to succeed for myself and for the team.” Elgton Jenkins isn’t inexperienced at center. Known for his positional flexibility, Jenkins has played every spot on the offensive line during his tenure with the Green Bay Packers. His ability to seamlessly shift roles makes him invaluable, but there’s no denying the complexity of becoming a centerpiece in both protection schemes and leadership on the line. It’s a role that requires sharp communication skills and the ability to anticipate defensive adjustments in real time. At Monday’s walkthrough practice, Jenkins lined up as the first-team center, a possible signal of where the Packers intend to slot him long-term. However, as live drills began, he was replaced by Sean Rhyan. This suggests the team is taking a measured approach to integrating him back into action and fully transitioning him to the middle. A Commitment to 2025 Contract rumors and position changes aside, Jenkins made one thing crystal clear in his remarks—he’s ready to commit to 2025. “I’m locked in,” Jenkins said emphatically, adding, “This team has what it takes to compete. I’m here for that.” While some fans remain concerned about what Jenkins’ offseason absence means for the team’s chemistry, his dedication to preparation appears unwavering. Staying dialed in without on-field reps might be challenging, but Jenkins insists he hasn’t missed a beat. “It’s about staying sharp mentally,” he added. “The physical stuff comes back, but you’ve got to stay prepared every single day upstairs. That’s the only way you can lead.” This sense of readiness is a pivotal development for the Packers, who desperately need stability on the offensive line. Jenkins’s ability to step into the center position could solidify the team’s protection around quarterback Jordan Love while providing a reliable veteran presence in the trenches. With the NFC North looking wide open, Green Bay’s ability to protect Love and establish the run will be critical—and Jenkins knows the stakes. Looking Toward the Future The uncertainty surrounding Jenkins’ long-term role with the Packers still lingers. With no guarantees built into his contract beyond this season, it’s fair to question whether the organization views him as a foundational player moving forward. 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The specter of future cap space challenges, lingering player turnover, and divisional rivals improving their rosters means the Packers need to maximize every ounce of talent they have on the field this year. Having Jenkins fully invested will go a long way toward achieving that goal.

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