Ben Rice’s home run feat will have Yankees fans thinking about All-Star Game

Ben Rice graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in psychology and was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He was not destined for big-league stardom. His rookie season with the New York Yankees seemed to only reinforce that point, as he batted .171 with a .613 OPS. Though, upon further examination, one could see the embers of a scorching-hot hitter. Since those early struggles, the left-handed hitter has used his solid plate discipline and lauded work ethic to become an undeniable offensive force.

Rice is following up a breakout 2025 campaign with a sensational start to the 2026  season. He launched a 398-foot home run into the upper-deck of right field during Saturday’s annihilation of the Kansas City Royals, which marks the third consecutive day he has gone yard. It was once unclear if this player would fit in the franchise’s long-term plans. Now, he is swinging the bat as well as anyone.

Ben Rice has now homered in THREE STRAIGHT GAMES pic.twitter.com/1vJcJbGN2N

— MLB (@MLB) April 18, 2026

It is obviously early, and logic dictates that at least some regression will come, but Rice is providing fans with compelling evidence that he is indeed a legitimate hitter. The 27-year-old first baseman entered Saturday afternoon’s game with a .339 batting average, .459 on-base percentage, .746 slugging percentage and 1.205 OPS. He now has seven homers and 17 RBIs after his latest Bronx blast.

From the Ivy League to a potential All-Star Game selection, Ben Rice has been one of the most interesting players to watch over the last couple of seasons. He will do his best to ensure that this surge is the beginning of his ascension into stardom and not just “a hot streak.”

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