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yesterday

Yankees Weigh Catcher Change as Ben Rice Earns Extra Starts

Manager Aaron Boone has expanded Ben Rice’s role behind the plate on the strength of his offensive surge paired with defensive praise, postponing a permanent role change despite growing calls to replace struggling Austin Wells.

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NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 11: Ben Rice #22 talks to Will Warren #98 of the New York Yankees during the game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium on August 11, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 22: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates at the plate with Austin Wells #28 as he hits a solo-home run in the ninth inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TORONTO, CANADA - JULY 22: Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates at the plate with Austin Wells #28 as he hits a solo-home run in the ninth inning of their MLB game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on July 22, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Ben Rice has started five of the last seven games at catcher and six since July 26, slashing .235/.326/.463 with 17 home runs and a 120 wRC+ through mid-August.
  • Aaron Boone has lauded Rice’s bat, pitch framing and game-calling skills but maintains “I don’t know. We’ll see” on making him the full-time backstop.
  • Austin Wells has gone 5-for-47 recently, hitting .208/.267/.412 with 15 homers overall and recording a .137 average and .242 slugging mark against breaking balls, which he blames on slider difficulties.
  • Yankees pitchers and catching coordinator Tanner Swanson praise Rice’s receiving and game planning, saying he handles tight situations like a seasoned backstop.
  • New York’s offense ranks among baseball’s lowest in runs scored this month, heightening pressure to adjust the catcher position for a lineup spark.