The Yankees knew from the start that re-signing Juan Soto would be a long shot. The financial stakes were sky-high, but few predicted the New York Mets would land him with a record-shattering contract that redefined baseball economics.
Soto inked a historic 15-year, $765 million deal — with the potential to surpass $800 million if he opts in after the 2029 season. While the Yankees were reportedly in the race, the Mets’ massive offer ultimately won out.
Fortunately for the Yankees, it appears they’ve uncovered a gem of their own — and his name is Ben Rice.
Soto Still Performing at an Elite Level
Make no mistake, Juan Soto remains one of baseball’s elite. In the early goings of 2025, he’s posting a .265/.410/.408 slash line with a home run, four RBIs, and a 140 wRC+. He’s walking nearly 20% of the time, striking out just 11.5%, and maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s most disciplined and dangerous hitters.
He’s yet to find his full power stroke like he had in the Bronx, but it’s still early — and few doubt that he’ll heat up.
Ben Rice Making Noise in the Bronx
While Soto adjusts to life with the Mets, 26-year-old Ben Rice is lighting up Yankee Stadium.
In 13 games, Rice is batting .310 with a .431 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging mark. He’s already smashed four homers, driven in five runs, and boasts a staggering 216 wRC+ — meaning he’s been 116% better than the average hitter.
His isolated power (ISO) is a monster .381, and his average exit velocity has jumped to 97.9 mph, a near 8 mph improvement from 2024. On Monday against the Giants, Rice blasted the hardest-hit ball of his career — a 113.2 mph, 372-foot rocket into the right-field seats.
Rice’s Contact Quality Suggests He’s Here to Stay
What’s more impressive is that Rice’s production seems sustainable. He owns a 31% barrel rate and a sky-high 72.4% hard-hit rate — both among the league’s best.
Statcast ranks him in the 100th percentile for average exit velocity, barrel percentage, and hard-hit rate. This isn’t just luck — Rice is crushing the ball on a nightly basis.
A Potential Star at a Bargain Price
Rice has long torched minor league pitching, and now he’s translating that success to the big leagues. With a healthy run and continued production, the Yankees could have a true star on their hands — and at a fraction of Soto’s megadeal.
It’s the kind of breakout story few saw coming. While Soto is making waves in Queens, Ben Rice may just be becoming the Bronx’s new left-handed powerhouse — one the Yankees didn’t realize they needed.
