Yankees Considering Using Ben Rice as Backup Catcher to Start Season

Versatile prospect could fill emergency role behind the plate for New York

Mar. 16, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The New York Yankees are reportedly considering using prospect Ben Rice as their backup catcher to start the 2026 season, according to reports. Rice has primarily played first base but also has experience behind the plate, giving the Yankees flexibility with their roster. This plan would allow the team to keep Rice's bat in the lineup while also having an emergency option at catcher.

Why it matters

Rice is viewed as a promising young player for the Yankees, and finding ways to get his bat in the lineup is a priority. Using him as the backup catcher would maximize his versatility and value to the team, though it could also impact the playing time of other prospects like Austin Wells.

The details

According to reports, the Yankees' early-season schedule with several off-days could allow them to use Rice as the backup catcher behind starter Escarra, rather than sending Rice to Triple-A to get regular at-bats. This would open up another roster spot for a versatile defender or utility player to start the year.

  • The Yankees are considering this plan for the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The players

Ben Rice

A versatile Yankees prospect who has played primarily first base but also has experience as a catcher, giving the team flexibility with their roster.

Austin Wells

A top Yankees prospect who could see his playing time impacted if the team uses Rice as the backup catcher to start the season.

Escarra

The Yankees' starting catcher, who would benefit from having Rice as the backup to start the year.

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What they’re saying

“For a time last season, the Yankees had Rice, their regular first baseman against right-handed pitching, as their lone backup catcher. That could happen again to start the season, partly due to the scheduled off days on the early schedule - allowing Escarra regular at-bats at Triple-A, rather than rare playing time behind Wells. Plus, this opens another roster spot for a versatile defender/utility player to begin the season.”

— Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com reporter

What’s next

The Yankees will need to finalize their roster decisions before the start of the 2026 season, which will determine if Rice ends up as the team's backup catcher or if he is sent to the minors to get regular playing time.

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision on how to utilize Ben Rice's versatility will have a significant impact on their roster construction and the playing time of other top prospects like Austin Wells. Maximizing Rice's value while also developing their young talent will be a key challenge for the Yankees to navigate in the coming season.