The New York Yankees have their newest homegrown superstar in first baseman Ben Rice. Since being selected in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, he has developed into one of the top left-handed sluggers in MLB.
Across 85 games, the 27-year-old has posted a .267 batting average, .360 on-base percentage, .925 OPS, 25 home runs and 57 RBIs. With Aaron Judge sidelined, Rice has provided the power in his absence.
Last week, Rice earned his first career All-Star selection for his first-half efforts. Although he will not be starting for the American League, it is still a massive honor. However, that is not the only thing Rice will be doing at All-Star weekend at Citizens Bank Park.
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Rice announced Tuesday that he has decided to compete in the Home Run Derby for the first time in his career. Rice joins Tampa Bay Raysthird baseman Junior Caminero as the only two players currently committed to compete.
This year, MLB is implementing a new system for the Home Run Derby, ditching the time clock in favor of a swing-based format, making it all the more important that competing players have the right person throwing to them.
On Tuesday, Rice announced a personal decision on who will pitch to him, revealing that he has chosen his dad, Dan Rice, to throw during the competition.
Not only has Rice's dad likely spent his entire life pitching to him, but Dan Rice is also a former college baseball pitcher, giving him a real edge in terms of ability to locate pitches where his son wants them.
Rice will hope his dad delivers as he looks to become the first Yankees slugger to win the Home Run Derby since Judge did it during his rookie season back in 2017.
