"He was taught to annihilate the Red Sox" - Fans buzz over Ben Rice's childhood snap in Yankees gear after rookie's 3-HR game against rival team
The New York Yankees' freefall looked poised to continue on Saturday before rookie first baseman Ben Rice came to the rescue. The slugger blasted a leadoff home run and added six more RBI on two more home runs to help seal the comeback victory. It was a historic day for the first baseman.
That prompted a fan account on X to share an image of Rice in Yankees gear. Despite his two companions in the childhood photo wearing Boston Red Sox gear, he was true to the Yankees.
Fans loved seeing that after his historic three-home run performance that snapped a four-game skid and prevented another series loss.
"What a great pic! God bless," one said.
"He’s just like me fr, only Yankee fan in w Red Sox household," another added.
"Absolute legend," a fan said.
"Yeah, beat The Red Sox!" one exclaimed.
Rice's performance had everyone buzzing, but the throwback photo that seemed to indicate it was meant to be sparked another level of excitement for Yankees fans.
Ben Rice fills one major need for Yankees
The New York Yankees have had some holes exposed on their roster during this losing stretch. They need a third baseman, second baseman, bullpen help, and perhaps another starting pitcher. For a while, it looked like they might need a first baseman, too.
Anthony Rizzo was not playing well at all and then he got hurt and is still likely a month away from a return. That prompted rumors of a trade for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or even Pete Alonso, but Rice has stepped up to fill that void so the Yankees can focus their assets elsewhere.
In just 17 games, he's accumulated 0.7 fWAR. That's seventh on the team already. His 171 wRC+ ranks third behind Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. His .294 batting average is just one point behind Soto for third place. His OPS is also third on the team.
He's been spectacular, and the Yankees will have a decision to make once Rizzo returns. Until then, they can consider other positions and don't need to look into a trade for a first baseman.