The New York Yankees have a lineup puzzle to solve after Trent Grisham’s breakout 2025 season and Ben Rice’s emergence as the everyday first baseman. The numbers suggest the solution is simple: Rice should bat leadoff.
Rice’s Case for Leadoff
- In 84 at-bats batting first last season, Rice posted a .226/.363/.548 slash line with 7 HRs and 17 RBIs — good for a .911 OPS.
- Ranked in the 92nd percentile in barrel rate and 93rd percentile in hard-hit rate.
- His 56.1% hard-hit percentage tied for 7th in MLB.
- Rice combines power and plate discipline, walking 50 times against 126 strikeouts in 2025.
The Grisham Conundrum
- Grisham hit 34 HRs in 2025, including 6 leadoff blasts, with a 129 wRC+.
- But his previous career high was 17 HRs — making 2025 an outlier.
- Moving him to the 5th or 6th spot maximizes his power without the pressure of setting the table.
Strategic Advantage
- With Aaron Judge batting second, Rice’s ability to walk or homer makes him the perfect table-setter.
- Grisham’s discipline and power remain valuable in the middle of the order.
- Manager Aaron Boone has already confirmed Rice as the everyday first baseman, giving him rhythm and consistency in a defined role.
The Vision
Rice doesn’t need to be a traditional leadoff hitter. He can be the Yankees’ version of Kyle Schwarber — a power bat who sees pitches, draws walks, and punishes mistakes. Pairing Rice and Judge at the top could give New York the most dangerous one-two punch in baseball.
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