Ben Rice 'So Dangerous' for Yankees as Leadoff Hitter, Aaron Boone Says

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been impressed with Ben Rice's recent production as the team's leadoff hitter.

“Benny’s done such a good job up there,” Boone said, per Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. “He controls the strike zone, and then he’s so dangerous, too.”

New York's leadoff spot has been occupied by catcher Austin Wells, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and Rice to begin its 2025 campaign.

All three players have looked promising in the role, while Rice has particularly excelled as of late. In five games that he's served as the Yankees' leadoff hitter, the 26-year-old has racked up two home runs while drawing seven walks to go along with a .333/.520/.833 slash line.

Rice was atop New York's batting order once again on Saturday, finishing 2-for-4 with a homer during an impressive 8-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

His ability to draw walks has been key to his success in a leadoff role, as his .431 on-base percentage is the highest among Yankees hitters outside of superstar Aaron Judge.

On the season, Rice is hitting .286 with three home runs and four RBIs.