Ben Rice Joins MLB Home Run Derby as First-Time All-Star

Rice’s Scouting Report

Ben Rice, a 27‑year‑old designated hitter/first baseman, is making his first All‑Star appearance alongside the Yankees. He entered the majors in June 2024 after five years in the Bronx organization, having been selected in the 12th round of the 2021 amateur draft. In the current season he boasts a .279 average with 29 home runs, 68 RBI and a .971 OPS across 91 games. This surge has earned him a spot on the AL roster for the Derby, marking a milestone for a player who has moved quickly through the minor leagues.

Player of the Week Honor

Just hours before the Home Run Derby kicks off, Rice was named American League Player of the Week. He posted a stunning .423 clip (11 hits in 26 at‑bats) accompanied by five long balls, 12 runs batted in and an impressive 1.577 OPS. The Yankees rode his hot streak to a four‑game winning streak that left them hovering near the top of the division. The timing of the award adds extra pressure—and excitement—as he steps into the Derby spotlight.

Family Legacy in the Derby

Rice’s journey to the Derby began long before the Yankees drafted him. A video he shared on social media, captured roughly 22 years ago, shows a young Rice in a Yankees jersey swinging at his dad’s pitches. His father, Dan, once hurled for Brown and still throws lavish curveballs to his son during the off‑season. Dan’s dream of seeing Ben compete in the Home Run Derby finally came true, and the father‑son dynamic will be front and center when they square off on a big‑league field.

Yankees Teammates Offer Support

On a recent team flight, Rice spent time watching Aaron Judge’s past Derby antics, noting how the captain clinched the title in 2017. Fellow slugger Cody Bellinger, a Derby veteran himself, has also been generous with tips. Another Yankees All‑Star, Cam Schlittler, pledged to be Rice’s go‑to guy for Gatorade breaks during the competition. This network of support underscores how Rice is embraced by a core group of elite hitters eager to see him thrive.

What to Expect in Philadelphia

Monday night’s Home Run Derby unfolds at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, the historic home of the Phillies. Rice will face off against some of MLB’s most feared sluggers on a stage designed to showcase raw power and precision. As he prepares, he keeps the focus simple: “I just want to enjoy it, have fun taking BP with my dad on a big‑league field in front of a bunch of people.” The atmosphere in the City of Brotherly Love will be electric, and Rice’s debut promises to be a highlight of the All‑Star festivities. For live updates and more on his performance, check the source coverage originally published on NorthJersey.com.