"While these numbers are already exceptional, this only scratches the surface of what Rice is capable of. According to Baseball Savant, Rice's metrics are elite, sitting in the 90 th percentile and above in xWOBA, xSLUG, xBA, average exit velocity, barrel percentage, hard-hit percentage, launch-angle sweet spot and chase. His expected batting average is .299 compared to his actual average of .255, which suggests he's been unlucky."
"While there is always the chance he can mature as a hitter, the Yankees have a lot they need to improve on, and there are some appealing first base options on the free agent market. Among the top first basemen up for grabs are Josh Naylor (though he isn't exactly a fan-favorite in the Bronx), Pete Alonso (opt-out), Munetaka Murakami, Kazuma Okamoto and Ryan O'Hearn. If the Yankees were to ignore this thriving first-base market, this would greatly limit their ability to improve."
Ben Rice hit .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs in 467 at-bats during his sophomore season, showing left-handed power in the Yankee Stadium right-field porch. Statcast measures place Rice in the 90th percentile and above across xWOBA, xSLG, xBA, average exit velocity, barrel rate, hard-hit percentage, launch-angle sweet spot, and chase. His expected batting average (.299) exceeds his actual average (.255), indicating some bad luck. Rice produced a limited postseason line (4-for-18, two walks, eight strikeouts) with one home run. Committing first base to Rice could restrict pursuit of available free-agent first basemen, though positional development could preserve roster flexibility.
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