Yankees' Judge and Rice Dominate as MLB's Top Power Duo

The sluggers have combined for 17 home runs in the season's first 22 games.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:26pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the explosive power and dynamic movement of a baseball player swinging the bat, with the batter's form fractured and deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The Yankees' power-hitting duo of Aaron Judge and Ben Rice have shattered MLB's early-season home run records, showcasing their explosive offensive abilities.NYC Today

New York Yankees outfielders Aaron Judge and Ben Rice have emerged as the most dangerous power-hitting duo in Major League Baseball this season. Through the first 22 games, the pair have combined to hit 17 home runs, the most of any teammates in the league. Judge has 9 homers, while Rice has 8, putting them on a pace to challenge the single-season home run records.

Why it matters

The Yankees' offensive firepower with Judge and Rice leading the way has been a bright spot during an otherwise uneven start to the season for the team. Their historic power production has drawn comparisons to some of the franchise's all-time great slugging duos, and has them positioned as early MVP candidates.

The details

On Sunday, both Judge and Rice hit home runs early in the Yankees' game against the Kansas City Royals. For Judge, it was his 9th homer of the season, while Rice's blast was his 8th and fourth in as many games. The duo's 17 combined home runs are the most of any teammates in MLB so far this year, surpassing other top power pairings like the Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani and Kyle Tucker, and the Astros' Yordan Alvarez and Christian Walker.

  • On April 19, 2026, Judge and Rice each hit home runs in the Yankees' game against the Royals.
  • Through the first 22 games of the 2026 season, Judge has 9 home runs and Rice has 8.

The players

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees, known for his prodigious power at the plate.

Ben Rice

A rising young slugger who has emerged as a key part of the Yankees' lineup alongside veteran Aaron Judge.

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, excelling as both a pitcher and hitter.

Kyle Tucker

An All-Star outfielder for the Dodgers, forming a potent power duo with Ohtani.

Yordan Alvarez

A dominant slugger for the Houston Astros, teaming up with Christian Walker to provide formidable offense.

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What they’re saying

“Yankees duos with 8+ HR each in team's first 22 games: 2026 Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, 2022 Judge, Anthony Rizzo, 1956 Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle.”

— Sarah Langs, MLB Analyst

“Aaron Judge has 9 HRs, Ben Rice has 8. Their combined 17 are the most of any teammates in MLB.”

— Bryan Hoch, MLB.com Reporter

What’s next

If Judge and Rice can maintain their torrid home run pace, they will be in position to challenge some of the franchise's and league's single-season home run records.

The takeaway

The Yankees' dynamic duo of Aaron Judge and Ben Rice have emerged as the most dominant power-hitting tandem in baseball, putting up historic numbers and positioning themselves as early MVP candidates. Their prodigious power has been a bright spot for the team and has drawn comparisons to some of the franchise's all-time great slugging pairs.