{"id":99332,"date":"2025-04-18T01:54:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-18T05:54:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=99332"},"modified":"2025-04-18T01:54:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-18T05:54:01","slug":"ben-rice-luke-weaver-key-parts-yankees-future","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/04\/18\/ben-rice-luke-weaver-key-parts-yankees-future\/","title":{"rendered":"Ben Rice, Luke Weaver Looking to be Long-Term Assets for the Yankees"},"content":{"rendered":"

The major league season is still in its first month, but the New York Yankees have already seen some interesting testimonials. Various players on the active roster have attracted attention with their early performances, marking them as valuable assets and collateral.<\/span><\/p>\n

The club maneuvered this past offseason with an intention of both improving the roster and filling gaps. Brian Cashman had multiple holes to fill, and areas to enhance. First base was a huge concern, along with a closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Weeks into the season, there are various returning pieces and one newcomer that are making a case to be long-term Yankees. First baseman Ben Rice<\/a> has been showing his value as a young hitter in a deep Yankees lineup, and relief pitcher Luke Weaver is picking up where he left off last season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben Rice is Hot Out of the Gate for the Yankees<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Rice took the reins after his debut last season, filling in at first base for veteran Anthony Rizzo. The lefty slugger was sidelined twice due to injury, making first base a priority to fill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Due to Ben Rice’s lack of experience, the Yankees decided to shop around for a veteran first baseman, as Rizzo took to free agency. The Bronx Bombers signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal worth $12.5 million.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, Brian Cashman and the Yankees command have intentions of pursuing another World Series run. The process of getting there involves employing nine starting position players and bats with experience and talent.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Rizzo had returned to the roster in time for last postseason, and Rice was added to the World Series roster as a backup option. This showed that the team trusted Rice, based on his performance in their time of need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tagging In at DH<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Fast-forward to this season, and Rice is still not the starting first baseman, but is an asset through his current contribution as the designated hitter in Giancarlo Stanton’s absence<\/a>. The 26-year old has appeared in 16 games this season, with 55 at-bats. Rice has a slash line of .273\/.385\/.618.<\/span><\/p>\n

The young first baseman has recorded 15 hits, five home runs, seven RBIs, three extra base hits, 12 runs, 15 strikeouts, 10 walks, and 34 total bases. Although he\u2019s only stolen two bases, his speed has shown itself in a positive light.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Welcome to the Rice Age \ud83c\udf5a pic.twitter.com\/8jUVo3VOaM<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 18, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n