The New York Yankees are getting trade calls on first baseman and catcher Ben Rice.
Rice has become the Yankees’ starting first baseman this season and can also catch when needed. However, his defense at first base has been an issue, and his name has come up in trade calls ahead of the trade deadline on July 31.
MLB insider Joel Sherman of The New York Post reported that the Yankees have been getting trade calls on Rice as he could be used to upgrade their roster.
“Multiple teams have been inquiring about the viability of Ben Rice as a catcher. Which gives a window into how the Yankees could pull off a larger trade before the deadline,” Sherman wrote for the New York Post. “But one way to make a bigger trade and/or protect the farm system would be to use Rice in a deal rather than strictly prospects.”
Rice is just 26 and is in his first season as a full-time MLB player. In 84 games this season, he’s hitting .232 with 15 home runs and 32 RBIs. He’s been a solid middle-of-the-order bat for New York. However, at first base, he has committed 2 errors in 20 games, as he’s regularly been a DH.
But, with the Yankees having Austin Wells at catcher, New York could trade Rice in a deal to fill another need, like third base or pitching.
Rice’s Bat Helping Yankees
New York trading Rice would be a bit surprising, given he’s an impactful bat for the Bronx Bombers.
Rice has been hitting in the middle of the order and hit a go-ahead home run against the Toronto Blue Jays to salvage one game of the three-game series. Before he hit the home run, Rice was seen getting advice from Jazz Chisholm Jr. on his swing.
“It was a good conversation,” Rice said. “He was saying, ‘The timing looks good, but just find a way to shorten up.’ … I just looked at some video real quick. It’s good, anyone I can talk to, just to walk through some things — I think it helped.”
Rice says Chisholm Jr. told him he needs to get the bat head out more quickly. He also told him to trust his swing, as that’s why he’s in the majors.
Rice was selected in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Yankees.
Yankees Have 2 Top Prospects ‘Off Limits’ in Trade
New York is chasing the Blue Jays for the top spot in the AL East. With that, the Yankees are expected to be active ahead of the trade deadline.
However, according to MLB insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Yankees won’t be trading top prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. at the deadline.
“The Yankees will not be trading top prospects Spencer Jones and George Lombard Jr. I’m told both are off limits,” Bowden wrote.
Jones is a 24-year-old outfielder who’s playing in Triple-A. He’s hitting .400 with 13 home runs and 25 RBIs in 19 games in Triple-A. Lombard, meanwhile, is a 20-year-old shortstop. He’s hitting .211 with 4 home runs and 20 RBIs in 63 games in AA.
The Yankees are hopeful to keep both top prospects, which is why Rice’s name has come up in trade calls.
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