Yankees' Ben Rice becomes second participant for 2026 Home Run Derby

New York Yankees slugger Ben Rice is now the second participant alongside Junior Caminero in the 2026 Home Run Derby. Prior to the announcement, Rice crushed a solo shot in the ninth inning that helped lead to a 5-1 victory for the Yankees over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, July 6. 

His 25 home runs this season are also tied for third in the AL and fifth in all of MLB, illustrating his dominant power surge for the Yankees this season. In his career, he owns 58 home runs compared to Caminero's career 78. 

It will be the 27-year-old's first time competing in the Derby. He is batting .267 with 57 RBI and a .925 OPS. It's been a childhood dream for Rice to be part of the Derby and now his father, Dan Rice, will pitch to him in the contest on July 13 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. 

The Yankees have won the Derby four times and Rice will attempt to bring them their record fifth Derby win with past winners being Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), Robinson Cano (2011) and Aaron Judge (2017). Rice will be the eighth different Yankees hitter to compete in the prestigious event.