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The New York Yankees have one of the most dangerous offenses in baseball, and at the center of it sits a duo that is putting together a start rarely seen in MLB history. Everyone expected Aaron Judge to be here. Nobody expected Ben Rice. Yet here we are. And statistically speaking, Rice has a real argument as the best hitter in baseball right now.
MORE: MLB starting pitcher power rankings entering week 9
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Yankees have watched both Judge and Rice blast over 16 home runs through the team’s first 50 games. That type of production from two teammates at the same time is incredibly rare and hasn’t happened for the Yankees since 1956, when Mantle and Berra achieved it.
Most teams would be thrilled to have one player producing at that level. The Yankees have two. And surprisingly, Rice is making a serious case that he has been the better overall hitter in 2026.
Rice is not just hitting home runs. He is sitting near the top of the league in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. Those numbers are not being inflated by a random hot streak either. He has consistently delivered in big moments and has become one of the hitters opposing pitchers are actively trying to avoid.
May 1, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) celebrates after hitting a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
That is superstar treatment. What makes Rice’s breakout even more impressive is how much he has improved. In previous years, hitting left-handed pitching was viewed as a weakness. Not anymore. Rice has become a much more complete hitter and is now handling lefties while continuing to punish right-handed pitching.
And it does not stop there. He has also:
That development is what separates good players from elite ones.
Apr 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Judge is still Judge. He remains one of baseball’s biggest stars, a multiple-time MVP, and one of the most feared hitters on the planet. The attention, highlights, and headlines are always going to follow him.
And deservedly so. But if we are talking strictly about what has happened on the field in 2026? Rice has a very real statistical argument. He is striking out less. And he is impacting games on both sides of the ball.
Aaron Judge remains the face of the Yankees. But right now, Ben Rice is making an argument to be the face of the Yankees offense. And if this level of production continues, baseball may have to stop calling him a breakout star and start calling him something much bigger. One of the best hitters in the sport.
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MORE: MLB starting pitcher power rankings entering week 9
Rice and Judge Are Making History
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New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Yankees have watched both Judge and Rice blast over 16 home runs through the team’s first 50 games. That type of production from two teammates at the same time is incredibly rare and hasn’t happened for the Yankees since 1956, when Mantle and Berra achieved it.
Most teams would be thrilled to have one player producing at that level. The Yankees have two. And surprisingly, Rice is making a serious case that he has been the better overall hitter in 2026.
Rice Is Dominating Every Major Category
Rice is not just hitting home runs. He is sitting near the top of the league in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. Those numbers are not being inflated by a random hot streak either. He has consistently delivered in big moments and has become one of the hitters opposing pitchers are actively trying to avoid.
You must be registered for see images attach
May 1, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) celebrates after hitting a three run home run during the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
That is superstar treatment. What makes Rice’s breakout even more impressive is how much he has improved. In previous years, hitting left-handed pitching was viewed as a weakness. Not anymore. Rice has become a much more complete hitter and is now handling lefties while continuing to punish right-handed pitching.
And it does not stop there. He has also:
- Cut down on strikeouts
- Become a strong defender at first base
- Expanded his offensive approach
That development is what separates good players from elite ones.
Judge Still Gets the Spotlight
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Apr 28, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Judge is still Judge. He remains one of baseball’s biggest stars, a multiple-time MVP, and one of the most feared hitters on the planet. The attention, highlights, and headlines are always going to follow him.
And deservedly so. But if we are talking strictly about what has happened on the field in 2026? Rice has a very real statistical argument. He is striking out less. And he is impacting games on both sides of the ball.
Aaron Judge remains the face of the Yankees. But right now, Ben Rice is making an argument to be the face of the Yankees offense. And if this level of production continues, baseball may have to stop calling him a breakout star and start calling him something much bigger. One of the best hitters in the sport.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
