The New York Yankees are reconsidering how to use rising star Ben Rice in the 2025 season, especially at first base. With seven-time All-Star and former MVP Paul Goldschmidt rejoining the team, Rice’s role is expected to shift, potentially giving him opportunities behind the plate alongside Austin Wells. This approach aims to better match handedness and optimize performance against tough left-handed pitching.
Goldschmidt Set to Play First Base Versus Left-Handed Pitchers
Paul Goldschmidt, 38, agreed to a one-year contract extension with the Yankees on Friday night, according to ESPN.com, marking his return for a second season. Although financial details remain unclear, the deal likely involves a pay cut from the $12.5 million he earned last year. Goldschmidt is expected to primarily handle first base duties against lefty starters, relieving Rice and Wells from consistently facing challenging left-handed pitching matchups.
Roster Moves and Team Composition Ahead of 2025
With a full 40-man roster, the Yankees must make room by removing a player to add Goldschmidt. His re-signing is part of the club’s plan to maintain the core of their 2025 team, which won 94 games—tied for the best in the American League—but fell short in the division series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Besides Goldschmidt, the Yankees have brought back several free agents, including outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, versatile infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario, and relievers Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn, as well as exercising an option on left-handed reliever Tim Hill.
Goldschmidt’s 2024 Performance Influenced Role Changes
In the previous season, Goldschmidt hit .274 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs across 146 games, mainly starting at first base. While he excelled against left-handed pitchers—batting .336 with a .981 OPS, placing him among the league’s top performers against southpaws—his production dipped significantly against right-handed pitchers. His .247 batting average and .618 OPS versus righties led to more limited appearances late in the regular season and postseason. Meanwhile, Ben Rice’s strong rookie campaign contributed to Goldschmidt’s reduced playing time.
Veteran Leadership and Defensive Mentorship for Ben Rice
Though Goldschmidt started only two of the Yankees’ seven postseason games last year, he accepted a reduced role gracefully and played an important part in helping Ben Rice improve defensively at first base. Goldschmidt’s presence on the team not only provides a strategic advantage against left-handed pitching but also offers valuable veteran leadership, which could be crucial for the Yankees’ younger players.
Additional Depth and Injury Coverage on the Roster
Goldschmidt’s return also gives the Yankees extra depth in case designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton faces injury setbacks. Stanton, a five-time All-Star and former MVP, has struggled with durability, averaging just 101 games per season over the past four years and missing significant time in six of the last seven seasons. The projected Opening Day bench now includes outfielder Jasson Dominguez, versatile players Amed Rosario and Oswaldo Cabrera, Goldschmidt, and potentially middle infielder Paul DeJong, a non-roster invitee.
Starting Lineup Adjustments Due to Injury
The Yankees will start the season without shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is recovering from left labrum surgery performed last October. Volpe’s return is unlikely before May, adding another wrinkle to the team’s lineup decisions during the early months of the campaign.
