The New York Yankees face pressing challenges in filling multiple roster gaps as they approach the trade deadline. With ongoing struggles at third base and injury-related setbacks in their pitching ranks, the team is evaluating potential moves to strengthen its lineup. One potential trade candidate generating interest is slugger Ben Rice, who has caught the attention of various MLB clubs. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, multiple teams have shown interest in Rice, and the Yankees might consider dealing him, but only if the return meets a high threshold due to Rice’s value and long-term controllability.

Ben Rice’s 2024 Performance Highlights His Trade Appeal

Ben Rice has emerged as one of the more promising young power hitters in the majors this season. Over 84 games, Rice has compiled a .232 batting average with a .323 on-base percentage and a .468 slugging percentage, resulting in a 121 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). These numbers reflect a solid offensive contribution, enhanced by a 9.1% walk rate and a 20.6% strikeout rate, alongside an impressive tally of 30 home runs. Importantly, Rice remains under team control for five more years beyond 2024, heightening his trade value as a young player with significant upside. This combination of performance and controllability makes Rice an asset the Yankees are keen to retain unless an exceptional offer arises.

Roster Challenges and First Base Future Influence Trade Considerations

The Yankees’ reluctance to part ways with Ben Rice also relates to questions surrounding the future of incumbent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who enters free agency after the 2025 season. With an aging and costly roster, the Yankees face a potential void at first base starting in 2026. Rice’s ability to cover first base and designated hitter roles provides internal flexibility that could prove vital for the team’s longer-term planning. Any trade requiring giving up Rice would likely demand a high-quality, controllable return to offset the risk of losing a key piece with multi-year team control remaining. However, some interested teams may struggle to meet the Yankees’ valuation, given Rice’s uneven production since midseason.

April’s Hot Start vs. Recent Slump Shapes Perception of Rice’s Value

Most of Rice’s offensive production this season came during a remarkable April in which he performed at an elite level. Since May, however, his numbers have cooled to a more pedestrian .215 batting average, .297 on-base percentage, and .409 slugging across 57 games. This recent dip complicates trade talks, as potential suitors weigh his overall consistency against the Yankees’ asking price. It also may partly explain hesitations by teams like the Minnesota Twins and Miami Marlins, who have prospects such as Joe Ryan and Edward Cabrera that they may be reluctant to exchange without Rice demonstrating consistent elite performance.

Ben Rice’s Catching Ability Could Increase His Trade Value

A distinctive factor potentially elevating Rice’s trade appeal is his flexibility as a catcher, a role that several interested clubs have inquired about. Although Rice primarily plays first base and designated hitter with the Yankees, he has caught 46 and two-thirds innings this year, including five starts and two complete games. The Yankees have Austin Wells established as their primary catcher, supported by backup J.C. Escarra, limiting Rice’s opportunities behind the plate. If a team sees Rice as a viable catcher option, even on a part-time basis, this could significantly enhance his perceived value and encourage a more competitive trade offer.

Arizona Diamondbacks Appear as a Natural Fit for a Potential Trade

Joel Sherman highlights the Arizona Diamondbacks as one club that could show particular interest in Rice. Arizona recently traded away first baseman Josh Naylor, creating an opening in their lineup where Rice could potentially step in. Although Pavin Smith offers a capable presence at first base and DH, Rice’s addition could provide depth and long-term flexibility. Further adding to this connection, the Diamondbacks have struggled with injuries to primary catcher Gabriel Moreno, a Gold Glove winner who has missed substantial time due to hand and thumb issues. Rice’s ability to catch, coupled with his offensive skills, might suit Arizona’s need for both positional and veteran depth at catcher and first base.

Longer-Term Role for Rice in Arizona Could Include Catching and First Base Duties

If traded to Arizona, Rice could serve as a valuable asset down the stretch by providing occasional catching duties, helping the team navigate Moreno’s injury concerns. This would also give Arizona a chance to evaluate whether Rice can stick behind the plate for the long term. Even if catching does not become a permanent role, Rice’s capability at first base and DH makes him a logical candidate to succeed Josh Naylor, who himself was a short-term replacement for Christian Walker following last winter’s moves. Rice could thus plug a dangerous hole in Arizona’s lineup, offering both immediate impact and future stability.

Roster Composition and Batting Hand Preferences Could Affect Trade Negotiations

Despite Rice’s potential fit, the Diamondbacks’ roster considerations may complicate interest. Their team already features many left-handed batters, including Pavin Smith, Corbin Carroll, Jake McCarthy, and Alek Thomas, as well as switch-hitters Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte. Adding another left-handed hitter like Rice might not perfectly align with Arizona’s strategic balance, as right-handed bats such as Eugenio Suarez, Randal Grichuk, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. have also been discussed as trade possibilities. Moreover, only Gurriel has contractual control extending beyond 2025. This preference for right-handed hitting could influence whether the Diamondbacks or other teams with similar compositions decide to pursue Rice actively.

Potential Impact of a Ben Rice Trade on Yankees and MLB Landscape

For the Yankees, trading Ben Rice would represent a significant decision that impacts both the present lineup and future planning, especially at first base. Successfully acquiring a high-quality, controllable player in return could help resolve pitching and positional challenges without depleting their farm system. Simultaneously, a trade could alter the balance for teams like Arizona, who might gain a versatile bat and potential catcher to address immediate and long-term needs. The ongoing trade talks reflect the broader urgency and eagerness in the MLB trade market as teams attempt to optimize their rosters before the postseason push.

“Rice has drawn interest from multiple teams and could be dealt as a way to address needs on the big league roster without dipping into the club’s farm system, though he adds that the Yankees would need to receive a big offer before they’d even consider parting ways with the 26-year-old.” —Joel Sherman, New York Post
“Sherman also adds that the Snakes would like to bring in catching help thanks to the recent injury history of primary backstop Gabriel Moreno.” —Joel Sherman, New York Post