New York Yankees' Biggest X-factor Couldn't be More Clear

The New York Yankees didn't do a whole lot this offseason, but even as currently constructed, they are World Series contenders.

That will be especially true once Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return to the mound.

But if the Yankees are truly going to take that next step in 2026, one player needs to make a major leap: Ben Rice.

Rice was a breakout slugger for New York last season, slashing .255/.337/.499 with 26 home runs and 65 RBI over 530 plate appearances.

The 27-year-old was kind of, sort of a full-time player in 2025, alternating between first base, catcher and designated hitter with Paul Goldschmidt in tow. This year, though, it's pretty clear that, even with Goldschmidt back in the fold, Rice is the starter.

And he will have to be special for the Yankees this coming season.

For as loaded as New York's lineup appears on paper, featuring MVPs in Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger, there are question marks.

Jazz Chisholm is very streaky. Austin Wells is maddeningly inconsistent. Ryan McMahon is an offensive liability at the hot corner. We don't know what to expect from Trent Grisham, and the less said about Anthony Volpe, the better.

A legitimate argument can be made that Rice is actually the third-best hitter on this team behind Judge and Stanton, and we know how difficult it has been for Stanton to play full seasons.

Prior to last year, Rice was mostly unassuming. He wasn't a top prospect, and he didn't even really have a set position. You can make the case that he still doesn't.

But the lefty showed during his first full season that he absolutely has what it takes to develop into an All-Star-caliber slugger in the big leagues.

Rice is patient, he has power, and while he is mostly a pull hitter, he has also displayed the ability to go the other way.

The only issue with Rice is that he is a bit older, so he doesn't have unlimited time to grow. He needs to begin reaching his ceiling now, and I firmly believe he can do that.

Fangraphs is projecting Rice to finish with a .792 OPS in 2026 (via ZiPS), but I actually think Rice — who tallied an .836 OPS last season — will experience considerably more success than that.

Look for Rice to hit around 30 homers with potentially in the neighborhood of 100 RBI this year, which will make all the difference in the world for a Yankees lineup that could absolutely use some consistent depth.

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