It was truly an impressive season for New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice, and it sounds like he has an opportunity to put himself in a position to get every game at-bats.
Rice appeared in 138 games and had 467 at-bats, and should continue to have at least a similar role moving forward. With 26 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 50 walks, he proved to be one of the better-hitting first basemen in baseball at just 26 years old.
However, some still believe the Yankees could make a move for a first baseman.
Despite that reality, Greg Joyce of the New York Post suggested that as the roster stands, Rice should be the Yankees' everyday first baseman next season.
“As the roster currently stands, it appears Ben Rice will be the Yankees’ everyday first baseman next season. But Cashman left the door open for that to change depending on what happens this offseason — with teams also calling about the young slugger who hit 26 home runs with a .836 OPS in his first full season as a big leaguer,” he wrote.
According to Brian Cashman, as reported by Joyce, he stated that teams will call on Rice, but he doesn't plan on moving on from him anytime in the near future. He was very happy with what he did during the year, and he's right in that thinking.
“I have no doubt teams will continue to come after our players, Rice included, for trade conversations,” Cashman said. “But as of right now, he’s in our lineup and the more likely spot would be first base. But he can catch as well. I have [Austin] Wells as our catcher and him at first, but you never know how the winds of change blow here every winter.
“There’ll be challenge trades made to us or by us and most will lead nowhere and with one team insulting the other and vice versa. More likely than not, I see him at first base. We’re really proud of the season he just had.”
The reality here is that if the Yankees can get a superstar, it's not the worst idea to consider moving Rice or signing a first baseman in free agency, but I don't think there are many players who are better than Rice in this free agency class at first base.