Brian Cashman revealed that other teams are constantly asking about Ben Rice in trade talks heading into the next MLB season, noting that the young New York Yankees player is the most frequent topic of conversation on calls from rival clubs. His status with the team for 2026 remains uncertain.
New York Post Sports reported on X, citing Jon Heyman, that “Brian Cashman is getting the most phone calls about Ben Rice in trade talks.” They also revealed part of Heyman’s information, which describes the Yankees as “extremely reluctant to trade him.”
During the past season, which saw the Yankees fail to reach the World Series, Rice played in 158 regular-season games for the team, posting a .255 average along with 119 hits, 74 runs, 26 home runs, and 65 RBIs—strong numbers for a player in his second major league season.
What Kind of Trade Could Ben Rice Command?
While no official offers have surfaced, if Rice is included in a trade, it would likely be as a key component for acquiring a seasoned veteran with the experience the Yankees need, as it is improbable that Cashman would trade Rice for another rookie.
Rice has performed exceptionally well, contributing significantly more than even Juan Soto in the “hard-hit” category, as pointed out by Ryan Garcia. Garcia noted that Rice boasts a much higher percentage than the Dominican star, strikes out less than Freddie Freeman, and had a higher OPS+ than Fernando Tatis Jr., all during the past season.
Rice’s Salary
Last season, Rice earned a salary of $782,800, and his salary is expected to be $820,000 for 2026. For the caliber of player he has proven to be, this makes him a very cost-effective asset for the club. However, his low salary could also help the Yankees secure a significant discount or better return if any trade is executed.