Yankees' Ben Rice: Hitting Struggles Mask Potential Star?

Ben Rice emerged as a promising hitter for the Yankees, showcasing impressive power and contact ability. While his numbers have dipped recently, a closer look reveals that he's still hitting the ball hard. His average exit velocity of 94.5 mph is among the league's best, and his hard-hit rate is equally impressive. These metrics suggest that Rice's struggles are more a result of bad luck than a decline in skill.

Rice's performance against fastballs has been exceptional, with a .325 average and .688 slugging percentage. However, he's struggled against breaking balls, indicating an area for improvement. The Yankees are optimistic that he'll adjust and continue to develop.

With Giancarlo Stanton's return looming, the Yankees will need to find ways to get Rice at-bats. His ability to play multiple positions, including catcher and third base, could provide flexibility. However, his primary value is his bat, and the Yankees are committed to giving him opportunities to succeed.

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Ben Rice excels at hitting fastballs and generating hard contact. His average exit velocity and hard-hit rate are among the best in MLB.

He struggles against breaking balls and has a lower OPS against left-handed pitchers.

The Yankees will need to find a way to balance playing time between Rice and Stanton, potentially using Rice at multiple positions.

Do you think Ben Rice will become a star for the Yankees? Let us know in the comments!

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