20 Home Runs By June: Why Nobody Saw Ben Rice Coming For The Derby

Man, that M's game stung today, huh? 5-3 to the O's, just not what we needed at home. But hey, let's shake that off for a sec because there's some WILD news bubbling up from across the league if you love dingers. Ben Rice, a dude who's come out of nowhere for the Yankees, just smashed his 20th home run earlier this week, putting him FIFTH in all of MLB! And get this: he's practically begging to be in the Home Run Derby next month! This guy is on an absolute tear, and if MLB knows what's good for them, they'll give him the call.

The Power Surge Nobody Expected

Seriously, think about that: 20 bombs before July 1. This isn't just a hot streak, folks. Rice is batting a ridiculous .291 with 53 runs, 49 RBI, and even snagged 2 stolen bases. The dude's a complete player, but the power? That's what's jaw-dropping. He ranks 18th in homers since the start of last season, right? But here's the kicker: he's only 93rd in plate appearances! That's efficiency, baby. This 27-year-old was a 12th-round draft pick, totally under the radar, but he put in the work, making swing changes in the minors back in 2023 and then hitting the weights hard after the 2024 season. Now, he's up there with the league leaders in exit velocity and hard-hit rate. We're talking elite-level stuff from a guy who wasn't on anyone's radar a couple years ago. What a story!

Derby or Bust for Rice?

So, with all that power, is it any surprise Rice ha

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s his eyes on the Home Run Derby? He told the New York Post earlier this week, and I quote, "If I were to get asked to go, I would love to do it. I have not heard anything about it, but sure, I'd be interested. I've watched it every year. It would be fun. ... I don't think a few different BPs would mess up my swing, and I think that's all it would be." He's ready to go, and he's not worried about messing up his swing, which is a common concern for sluggers. And honestly, MLB needs him. With Aaron Judge nursing a rib fracture and Giancarlo Stanton sidelined with a calf strain, both definitely out of the Derby and passing on it in recent years anyway, Rice is the obvious Yankee choice. You know MLB wants a Bronx Bomber in there for marketing. The Derby is going down Monday, July 13, at Citizens Bank Park in Philly, and the format's reportedly back to a swing-based system. Last year, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the first Yankee to even participate since Judge won it in 2017, and he got bounced in the first round. Yankees have a real Derby legacy, with Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), Robinson Cano (2011), and Judge (2017) all taking home the crown. Ben Rice could be next. No players have been officially announced yet for the Derby, but you'd better believe Ben Rice's name has to be at the top of the list after this incredible start. Keep an eye out for that announcement, folks. This kid is electric. For us here in the Emerald City? Let's hope our Mariners bounce back tomorrow and get us a W. Go M's!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.