Yankees Make Ben Rice Announcement on Thursday

Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Yankees Make Ben Rice Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Nov 5, 2026 2:26 PM ET

The New York Yankees had another disappointing end to their season, getting swept in the ALDS by the Tampa Bay Rays. However, if there are any positives to take from 2026, it is Ben Rice emerging as a legitimate superstar.

The 27-year-old first baseman had a huge year, posting a .264 batting average, .363 on-base percentage, .897 OPS, 41 home runs and 97 RBI in 154 games.

He earned his first career All-Star selection as well. He was also one of the only players to show up in October, collecting eight hits including four home runs and nine RBI in the playoffs.

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

With the offseason underway and the Yankees looking for ways to improve the roster, there is still some time to reflect and award some of the players for 2026.

The Silver Slugger Award finalists were officially announced on Thursday by Louisville Slugger, and for the second consecutive season, Rice was nominated as a Silver Slugger finalist.

He was not the only Yankee nominated, as Cody Bellinger was also named a finalist in the outfield. “Congratulations to our 2026 Silver Slugger Award Finalists: Ben Rice & Cody Bellinger ,” the team wrote on X.

Congratulations to our 2026 Silver Slugger Award Finalists: Ben Rice & Cody Bellinger pic.twitter.com/lbTDki6jYd
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) November 5, 2026

Rice is competing head-to-head against Yordan Alvarez of the Houston Astros, and it is going to be an uphill battle. Alvarez is currently the favorite to win the AL MVP award, so it would not be surprising to see him take the Silver Slugger as well.

The award is voted on by managers and coaches around the league, with winners set to be announced Nov. 17.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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