Ben Rice arrived in New York Yankees as more than a rookie filling a spot, he’s a promising left-handed bat trying to carve his place in a lineup that rarely offers easy chances. His contract reflects that early stage.
Playing under a pre-arbitration deal, he represents the team’s blend of youth and budget-friendly roster building. But his growing role makes his contract status an increasingly interesting piece of the puzzle.
As his playing time expands, so does the intrigue around his future earnings. For a team balancing stars and rising talent, his deal could prove as important for payroll strategy as for the box score.
What is Ben Rice’s salary with the New York Yankees?
Ben Rice, the left-handed slugger for the New York Yankees, is earning a base salary of $782,800 for the 2025 season, as Spotrac reported. This places him within the pre-arbitration salary range typical for players in their early MLB years.
Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees celebrates after hitting a three run home run in the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays during their game at Yankee Stadium on July 31, 2025. (Source: Al Bello/Getty Images)
Unlike veterans or arbitration-eligible players, pre-arb contracts are largely dictated by team discretion and league minimums, which in 2025 hover around the $740,000–$800,000 mark.
His salary reflects his recent rise to the big leagues and his growing value. After being drafted in the 12th round of the 2021 MLB Draft out of Dartmouth College, he worked his way through the minors before making his major league debut in June 2024.
While the sum may seem modest compared to the multimillion-dollar deals of stars like Aaron Judge or Gerrit Cole, it’s a solid starting point for a player still in the early stages of his journey.
Ben Rice’s contract: How long does the deal last?
Ben Rice’s current deal with the Yankees is a one-year contract, signed for the 2025 season. This short-term agreement is standard for players in the pre-arbitration phase, which typically lasts for the first three years of a player’s major league service time.
During this period, teams retain control over salary decisions, often renewing contracts annually unless a long-term extension is negotiated. His contract does not include a signing bonus or performance incentives, and it’s fully guaranteed for the season.
The brevity of his deal doesn’t necessarily signal uncertainty—it’s simply how MLB’s salary structure works for young players. If he continues to perform at a high level, the Yankees could offer him a multi-year extension before he reaches arbitration eligibility in 2026.
