On Saturday afternoon, the New York Yankees won their second straight game over the Kansas City Royals (at home).
Ben Rice finished the 13-4 victory with one home run and two walks in three at-bats.
Yankees Secret Weapon Is Being Paid Less Than $1M
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates as he touches home plate on a three run home run by Paul Goldschmidt #48 of the New York Yankees against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at T-Mobile Park on April 01, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
Rice is in his third MLB season (all with the Yankees).
It’s worth noting that the 27-year-old is being paid $845,800 this season.
Based on other MLB players, Rice is on one of the best contracts in the entire league.
According to Spotrac, he is also the second-lowest-paid hitter on the entire Yankees roster.
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2026 in New York City.
Rice’s MLB Career
Rice was picked in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
After appearing in 50 games as a rookie, he played 138 for the Yankees last season.
Right now, he is batting .339 with 21 hits, seven home runs, 17 RBI’s and 19 runs in his first 20 games.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com wrote (during Saturday’s game): “Too early to say Ben Rice should be an All-Star? He sends his 7th HR into the second deck in right field. (Off a lefty, too.) Yankees lead, 5-0.”
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees crosses home plate following his two-run home run in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2026 in New York City.
Over 208 career games, Rice is batting .244 with 166 hits, 40 home runs, 105 RBI’s and 113 runs.
He will be one of the most intriguing players to watch the rest of the season.
StatMuse wrote (on April 17): “Ben Rice ranks on the Yankees this season: 1st in RBI 1st in AVG 1st in OBP 1st in SLG 1st in OPS 1st in wRC+ He’s one of only two qualified hitters with a .325 AVG and 1.200 OPS this season.”
GettyBen Rice #22 of the New York Yankees reacts during game two of the American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on October 1, 2025 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Yankees Right Now
In addition to Rice, Cody Bellinger also had a big game with three hits (and two home runs).
The Yankees improved to 12-9 in 21 games, which has them as the second-place team in the American League East.
They are 7-5 in 12 games in the Bronx.
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