Yankees Make Ben Rice Decision Before Giants Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Troy Lippman | Last updated Mar 27, 2026 3:02 PM ET

The Yankees opened up their season with a 7-0 win against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Wednesday. Aaron Judge had a difficult game but the rest of the lineup contributed hits including Ben Rice.

Rice went 1-4 with a base hit and run scored, playing sound defense at first base making several nice scoops even though he's still new to the position. This is why it is surprising to see him on the bench for game two against the Giants despite a lefty being on the mound.

New York announced their lineup on X and Ben Rice was left out of the starting lineup with veteran Paul Goldschmidt getting the start and leading off against Robbie Ray. Boone mentioned before the season how he expected for Rice to get the majority of the starts at first base even against lefties over Goldschmidt.

Friday by the Bay. #RepBX pic.twitter.com/PA4kCtnatF
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 27, 2026

Goldschmidt was the opening day first baseman in 2025 after signing a 1-year 12 million dollar deal and Rice was on the bench. Although Rice had a promising 2025 season which saw him have some of the hardest contact rates in the league and improve throughout the year at first base with former MVP Goldschmidt as his mentor.

Rice was named the starting first baseman this year as he figures to get most starts at first base against right-handed pitching with Goldschmidt being at his strongest against lefties. Goldschmidt resigned to be in a bench role this season and should continue to add his veteran leadership to New York's clubhouse considering his fantastic career mostly spent with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt© Tom Horak-Imagn Images

In 2025 Rice hit .265 with 26 home runs, 65 RBIs and .836 OPS in 138 games played. Rice spent time at first base mainly and also got some starts at catcher which was his primary position in the minor leagues.

Rice struggled in his brief 2024 debut despite having a 3 home run game against the Red Sox in July 2024 but ended with a low .171 batting average and .613 OPS. He made adjustments to his stance in 2025 and it proved to be a good decision as he improved drastically as a hitter.

Rice will be a big part of the Yankees lineup and goal of winning their 28th World Series Title in 2026. If he builds off 2025, he has the potential to be one of the leagues best first baseman.

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

More must-reads: