The Yankees’ offseason addition of Paul Goldschmidt is not only a boost to their lineup but also to the development of their younger players. Known for his professionalism and leadership, Goldschmidt has already expressed a willingness to guide teammates, including Ben Rice, who could be in line for a role as part of a first-base platoon.
“I’ll do whatever I can to help guys…whether it’s him or any other player,” Goldschmidt said when asked about mentoring younger talent on the roster on Thursday afternoon. His attitude and experience could make a significant impact on a team with several players still finding their footing at the major league level.
Ben Rice, a left-handed hitter with intriguing offensive metrics, is a rising prospect in the Yankees’ system. While Rice has shown flashes of promise, he still lacks the experience to be a consistent everyday player. In 2024, Rice posted solid underlying numbers regarding his power, demonstrating intriguing plate discipline and slugging potential. His left-handed bat complements Goldschmidt’s right-handed swing, making the two a natural pairing in a potential platoon situation at first base.