Ben Rice has had a strong start to the 2026 season, boasting a .370 batting average and leading the MLB with a 1.380 OPS, following a challenging previous season where he felt his performance didn’t match his underlying metrics. Early this season, he has significantly improved his exit velocity and hard-hit rate, indicating a positive trajectory. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Rice’s patience and control at the plate, essential for his success. Rice aims to build on these early successes as he seeks to establish himself as a key hitter for the Yankees.
