Yankees’ Aaron Boone Hails Ben Rice As Formidable After Blast

In one of the wildest moments of the Yankees’ 2024 season, rookie Ben Rice smashed a towering grand slam in the 10th inning. That swing clinched the series against the Baltimore Orioles and sent Yankee Stadium into chaos.

With the postseason looming, Rice’s clutch blast didn’t just win a game—it put him on the radar as a key offensive force for New York. Fans are buzzing, and it’s hard not to wonder if he’s about to become the x-factor in October baseball.

Ben Rice’s Dramatic Swing in Extra Innings

Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium felt tense from the start, especially as the game dragged into extra innings tied with a fierce AL East rival. The bases were loaded, no outs, bottom of the 10th—Rice stepped in against Baltimore lefty Keegan Akin.

He didn’t wait long. One pitch later, Rice launched a 413-foot bomb into the right-field seats and the place just exploded.

He’d already picked up three hits that day before his game-winning heroics. The win bumped the Yankees to an 88-68 record, keeping their momentum alive as the season winds down.

The Significance for the Yankees’ Playoff Push

With this win over Baltimore, the Yankees look set to clinch a playoff spot any day now. Every game matters at this point, and Rice’s grand slam brought a huge boost in the standings—and maybe even more so in team morale.

Manager Aaron Boone, who’s backed the rookie all year, didn’t hesitate to praise Rice’s poise and power. Boone called him “a true middle-of-the-order bat with power” and “a formidable hitter in this league”—pretty high praise for a guy still in his first full season.

Rice’s Season in Numbers

Rice started the year as a utility guy, but his bat has been on fire. Heading into the last week of the regular season, he’s put up:

• 24 home runs
• 61 RBIs
• 127 OPS+—well above league average

He’s become one of the most effective hitters in the Yankees lineup. Some advanced stats even suggest he’s had a bit of bad luck, which is wild considering his numbers already look this good.

Versatility in the Field

Rice isn’t just a bat. He’s played first base, catcher, and even slotted in as designated hitter, showing off some rare versatility.

This gives Boone options for playoff lineups, though there’s still a question of where Rice will settle defensively. Boone especially likes Rice’s ability to face right-handed pitching—his bat helps protect Judge and Stanton in the lineup.

Why Rice Could Be the Yankees’ October X-Factor

October baseball is all about turning points and surprise heroes, isn’t it? Rice’s power and calm under pressure make you think he might be one of those guys who change everything when it counts.

For a team built on big bats, adding a fresh, fearless slugger in the middle of the order is huge. Rice’s knack for coming through in high-leverage spots gives New York another threat in games where one swing can flip everything.

The Road Ahead

The Yankees are pushing toward the postseason, and everyone’s watching how Boone will use Rice’s skills. Whether he starts at first base, catches, or steps in as DH, you can bet his bat will play a big role.

The advanced stats hint there’s still more to come from Rice. Yankee fans might just get to see him pull off more late-game magic in October.

After Sunday’s grand slam, Ben Rice isn’t just another rookie anymore. He’s turned into a real weapon, ready to step up when it matters most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ Aaron Boone Makes ‘Formidable’ Ben Rice Claim After Heroic Blast