In the wake of a tense Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, the New York Yankees are quietly shifting gears at first base. Ben Rice, the 26-year-old breakout star, seems poised to claim the everyday role, edging out veteran Paul Goldschmidt. It was just last winter when the Yankees inked Goldschmidt to a one-year, $12.5 million deal, hoping his seven All-Star nods and MVP pedigree would stabilize the lineup. But now, with Rice slashing through the postseason—hitting .280 with power against lefties—the front office appears ready to let the 37-year-old free agent walk.
Manager Aaron Boone's recent lineup tweaks tell the story. Initially, Boone stuck Goldschmidt against every left-hander, citing the veteran's .763 OPS and experience in big spots. Yet, in Game 3's decisive clash with Boston's rookie southpaw Connelly Early, Rice got the nod and delivered a 2-for-4 night, helping secure a 5-3 win that propelled New York forward. Indeed, Rice's emergence hasn't been subtle; his overall .285 average and 22 homers this season turned heads, especially after a sluggish start for Goldschmidt, who batted .248 before heating up late.
However, the transition isn't without friction. Goldschmidt, ever the mentor, has spoken about doing "whatever I can" to guide Rice and other youngsters, a nod to his role as a one-year bridge. Insiders whisper that the Yankees see Rice's lefty-mashing potential—slashing .320 against southpaws—as the long-term fix, especially with Giancarlo Stanton's DH logjam complicating things. Moreover, trading Goldschmidt midseason was floated but fizzled; now, as free agency looms, the club prioritizes youth over another veteran stopgap.
Still, Boone's flip-flop on platoon splits raises eyebrows—why bench Rice early only to unleash him later? It underscores the Yankees' delicate balance between proven grit and raw upside. As the ALDS beckons, one wonders if this pivot signals a broader rebuild or just pragmatic playoff chess.