Yankees' young talent is blooming in May

Rice, Rice, baby

The Yankees have struggled to search for a sound first baseman over recent years, and Ben Rice may be the answer for their future. Rice was given his opportunity to make a difference with Giancarlo Stanton being injured, and he has made himself a staple in the Bombers' everyday lineup.

While current first baseman Paul Goldschmidt is contributing at a very high rate, it is likely Rice is the future at the position. The 26-year-old has been a delightful surprise for Yankee fans, crushing nine home runs to pair with his .937 OPS through 36 games thus far.

Most importantly, he has provided protection both in front of and behind Aaron Judge, keeping pitchers honest when either leading off or in the three-hole. He has done no different through his nine games in May, tallying seven hits and seven RBI along with launching his first career grand slam.

Many had pinned Rice as a player to watch before the season started due to the 10 pounds of muscle he had added to his frame over the offseason, and if he can continue to develop and mash the ball the way he has, the Bombers may have found themselves a perennial All-Star first baseman.

Warren leaps in the right direction

Starting pitcher Will Warren hasn't had a smooth beginning to his season by any means, but he has shown potential during his May starts.

Warren finished 2024 with a disappointing 10.32 ERA and started 2025 with a 4.75 ERA, but has taken strides in the right direction. During his most recent start against the Athletics, Warren struck out seven in 7.1 strong innings of work. 

With the Yankees' pitching staff still recovering from their many injuries, Warren will continue to have the chance to pitch for a spot in the rotation, and may end up playing a major role for the Yankees if he develops further. 

While the Yankees continue to hold first place in the AL East and one of the best records in the American League, the ceiling of the Bombers lies within their young guns. 

The emergence of the long-awaited Martian, the breakout of a powerful bat in Rice and the development of Warren could be the difference between the Yankees being just a playoff team or becoming the World Series contender that they are aiming to be. 

Only time will tell if these young players will carry over their May blooms into summer booms.