Rice's Stellar Week
Yankees' Ben Rice Named All-Star Starter, Also Earns Second AL Player of the Week.
New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice has won the American League Player of the Week award for the second time this season, according to Tri-City Herald. Rice is also headed to the MLB All-Star Game, where he will start at first base for the American League and compete in the Home Run Derby.
Rice has been one of the Yankees' biggest offensive weapons this season. He is hitting 29 home runs and has driven in 68 runs, per Charlotte Observer. His hot stretch came at a critical time, with star outfielder Aaron Judge sidelined on the injured list.
Rice Steps Up While Aaron Judge Sits Out
The Yankees placed Aaron Judge on the injured list earlier this season. That opened the door for Rice to take a bigger role. He walked right through it. Rice has posted big numbers across the board, proving he can carry the offense when the team's biggest star is out.
Twenty-nine home runs and 68 RBI are star-level numbers. Most players take years to reach that kind of production. Rice is doing it while filling in for one of baseball's best players. The Yankees have not missed a beat, largely because of his bat.
Rice Gets AL All-Star Starting Spot After Guerrero Drops Out
Rice will start at first base for the American League in the All-Star Game. He gets the spot after Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. opted out of the event due to a back injury, according to Tri-City Herald. It is a big moment for a player still making his name in the majors.
Getting a starting spot in the All-Star Game is a major milestone. Rice will represent the Yankees on one of baseball's biggest stages. The injury to Guerrero opened the door, but Rice's numbers made the choice easy for AL managers.
Home Run Derby Adds to Rice's Breakout Moment
Rice is also set to compete in the Home Run Derby, the fan-favorite event held the night before the All-Star Game. Players take turns hitting as many home runs as they can in a set time. With 29 home runs already this season, Rice is a real threat to win it, per BND.
The Derby is a showcase event watched by millions. It gives rising stars a chance to shine on a national stage. For Rice, it is another sign that his 2025 season has been one of the best breakouts in the American League.
Two Player of the Week Awards Signal a True Breakout Season
Winning the AL Player of the Week once is an achievement. Winning it twice in the same season puts a player in elite company. Rice has now done it twice, showing his hot play has not been a fluke, according to Charlotte Observer.
The Yankees drafted Rice hoping he would develop into a reliable hitter. He has done far more than that. With the All-Star Game, the Home Run Derby, and two weekly awards, Rice is having one of the most surprising and impressive seasons of any player in baseball this year.
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