On Saturday afternoon, the New York Yankees won their second straight game over the Kansas City Royals (at home).
Ben Rice finished the 13-4 victory with one home run and two walks in three at-bats.
Yankees Star Is Being Paid Less Than $1 Million
Rice is in his third MLB season (all with the Yankees).
It’s worth noting that the 27-year-old is being paid $845,800 this season.
Based on other MLB players, Rice is on one of the best contracts in the entire league.
According to Spotrac, he is also the second-lowest-paid hitter on the Yankees.
Rice’s MLB Career
Rice was picked in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
After appearing in 50 games as a rookie, he played 138 for the Yankees last season.
Right now, he is batting .339 with 21 hits, seven home runs, 17 RBI’s and 19 runs in his first 20 games.
Bryan Hoch of MLB.com wrote (during Saturday’s game): “Too early to say Ben Rice should be an All-Star? He sends his 7th HR into the second deck in right field. (Off a lefty, too.) Yankees lead, 5-0.”
Over 208 career games, Rice is batting .244 with 166 hits, 40 home runs, 105 RBI’s and 113 runs.
He will be one of the most intriguing players to watch the rest of the season.
StatMuse wrote (on April 17): “Ben Rice ranks on the Yankees this season: 1st in RBI 1st in AVG 1st in OBP 1st in SLG 1st in OPS 1st in wRC+ He’s one of only two qualified hitters with a .325 AVG and 1.200 OPS this season.”
Yankees Right Now
In addition to Rice, Cody Bellinger also had a big game with three hits (and two home runs).
The Yankees improved to 12-9 in 21 games, which has them as the second-place team in the American League East.
They are 7-5 in 12 games in the Bronx.
New York Yankees Secret Weapon Is Being Paid Less Than $1 Million