Ben Rice Bio
Benjamin Kimball Rice is an American professional baseball first baseman, designated hitter, and catcher for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball (MLB). He played college baseball for Dartmouth College and was selected by the Yankees in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB draft. Rice made his MLB debut in 2024 and has since developed into a versatile offensive contributor for the Yankees organization.
Early Life and Background
Benjamin Kimball Rice was born on February 22, 1999, in Cohasset, Massachusetts. He grew up in the same coastal town, surrounded by New England’s deep baseball traditions. From a young age, Rice played hockey before eventually focusing his athletic attention on baseball.
As a young fan in New England, Rice rooted for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball, setting himself apart from many of his friends who supported the Boston Red Sox. His favorite player was Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter, a choice that hinted at his future professional path. Rice attended Noble and Greenough School in Dedham, Massachusetts, where he developed his baseball skills and prepared for collegiate competition.
He later enrolled at Dartmouth College, joining the Dartmouth Big Green baseball program and earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted organized baseball in 2020, Rice helped organize scrimmages among Ivy League baseball players to offset the lost playing time. In 2021, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League, gaining valuable experience against high-level amateur competition.
Path to Baseball
Rice’s progression through the amateur ranks reflected steady improvement. After his collegiate career at Dartmouth, he entered the 2021 MLB draft, where the New York Yankees selected him in the 12th round with the 363rd overall pick. The selection marked the beginning of his professional career and his formal entry into the Yankees organization.
He spent his first professional season with the rookie-level Florida Complex League Yankees and Single-A Tampa Tarpons, hitting .197 across 23 combined games. The adjustment period was brief, and Rice returned to form the following year. His development through the minor leagues showcased his offensive potential, as he demonstrated the power and plate discipline that would eventually translate to the major leagues.
Ben Rice Career
Early Career (2021-2023)
Rice spent the 2022 campaign back with Single-A Tampa, playing in 68 games and posting a .267/.368/.442 slash line with nine home runs and 36 runs batted in. His performance demonstrated growth in both contact and power, establishing him as a prospect worth monitoring within the Yankees system.
He started the 2023 season with Tampa before being promoted to the High-A Hudson Valley Renegades and Double-A Somerset Patriots during the year. In 73 games split between the three affiliates, Rice accumulated an impressive .324/.434/.615 slash line with 20 home runs, 68 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. His 2023 production cemented his status as a rising talent and positioned him for a potential major league opportunity.
Major League Debut (2024)
Rice began the 2024 season with Double-A Somerset and was promoted to the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on June 5. He batted .294/.428/.661 in 109 at-bats at the Triple-A level, forcing the Yankees’ hand.
On June 18, 2024, the Yankees promoted Rice to the major leagues. He made his debut that day against the Baltimore Orioles and recorded his first major league hit in the third inning with a single to right field. On July 6, in a game against the Boston Red Sox, Rice became the first rookie in Yankees history to hit three home runs in one game. His seven RBIs in that contest also matched Lou Gehrig’s franchise record for a Yankee rookie. After an initial hot streak, Rice fell into an extended slump and was demoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in late August. He finished his 2024 MLB season with a .171 batting average, .613 OPS, seven home runs, and 23 RBIs across 50 games.
New York Yankees Era (2025-Present)
In the offseason, Rice added approximately 10 pounds of muscle in an effort to improve his offensive production. Following a strong performance in spring training, Rice made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster for the 2025 season. He went on to produce elite offensive metrics while seeing time as designated hitter, first baseman, and catcher.
On May 11, 2025, he hit his first career grand slam against the Athletics. Rice finished the 2025 regular season with a .255 batting average, .836 OPS, 26 home runs, and 65 RBIs in 530 plate appearances. He also hit a home run in his first postseason at-bat during an October 1 wild card game against Boston, capping a remarkable turnaround from his rookie campaign.
Driving Style and Strengths
At the plate, Rice combines plate discipline with emerging power, drawing walks and working deep counts while showing the ability to drive the ball to all fields. His versatility allows the Yankees to deploy him at designated hitter, first base, and behind the plate, giving the lineup valuable flexibility.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rice’s three-homer game against the Red Sox on July 6, 2024, stands as his signature early milestone, making him the first Yankees rookie to accomplish the feat. His first career grand slam on May 11, 2025, and his postseason home run in October 2025 further cemented his growing reputation as a clutch performer in the Yankees organization.
Ben Rice Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rice’s father, Dan Rice, played college baseball as a pitcher for Brown University, instilling a deep familiarity with the sport in his son. This family connection to baseball helped shape Benjamin Kimball Rice’s early development and lifelong commitment to the game.
Personal Life
Beyond baseball, Rice speaks Spanish, having learned the language in middle school and continued taking classes in college. He practiced the language further when he reached the minor leagues, finding it particularly helpful for communicating with Spanish-speaking pitchers on his teams.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a dramatic breakthrough for Rice after a challenging rookie year. He secured a roster spot out of spring training and quickly delivered strong offensive numbers across his versatile role with the Yankees. His first career grand slam on May 11 against the Athletics highlighted his ability to deliver in key moments.
Rice finished the regular season with a .255 batting average, .836 OPS, 26 home runs, and 65 RBIs across 530 plate appearances, establishing himself as a middle-of-the-order threat. His production represented a significant leap from his 2024 totals and validated the Yankees’ continued investment in his development.
In the postseason, Rice made an immediate impact by hitting a home run in his first at-bat during the October 1 wild card game against Boston, signaling his readiness for high-pressure situations. With his 2025 performance complete, Rice has positioned himself as a core piece of the Yankees’ long-term plans heading into 2026.