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Ben Rice, Luke Weaver Looking to be Long-Term Assets for the Yankees

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Ben Rice (pictured) and Luke Weaver are both making a case early this season to figure into the Yankees' long-term plans.

The major league season is still in its first month, but the New York Yankees have already seen some interesting testimonials. Various players on the active roster have attracted attention with their early performances, marking them as valuable assets and collateral.

The club maneuvered this past offseason with an intention of both improving the roster and filling gaps. Brian Cashman had multiple holes to fill, and areas to enhance. First base was a huge concern, along with a closer.

Weeks into the season, there are various returning pieces and one newcomer that are making a case to be long-term Yankees. First baseman Ben Rice has been showing his value as a young hitter in a deep Yankees lineup, and relief pitcher Luke Weaver is picking up where he left off last season. 

Ben Rice is Hot Out of the Gate for the Yankees

Rice took the reins after his debut last season, filling in at first base for veteran Anthony Rizzo. The lefty slugger was sidelined twice due to injury, making first base a priority to fill. 

Due to Ben Rice’s lack of experience, the Yankees decided to shop around for a veteran first baseman, as Rizzo took to free agency. The Bronx Bombers signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal worth $12.5 million. 

Obviously, Brian Cashman and the Yankees command have intentions of pursuing another World Series run. The process of getting there involves employing nine starting position players and bats with experience and talent. 

Rizzo had returned to the roster in time for last postseason, and Rice was added to the World Series roster as a backup option. This showed that the team trusted Rice, based on his performance in their time of need. 

Tagging In at DH

Fast-forward to this season, and Rice is still not the starting first baseman, but is an asset through his current contribution as the designated hitter in Giancarlo Stanton’s absence. The 26-year old has appeared in 16 games this season, with 55 at-bats. Rice has a slash line of .273/.385/.618.

The young first baseman has recorded 15 hits, five home runs, seven RBIs, three extra base hits, 12 runs, 15 strikeouts, 10 walks, and 34 total bases. Although he’s only stolen two bases, his speed has shown itself in a positive light. 

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If his success and consistency continue, the Yankees may have an easy decision to make come the offseason. It is obvious that the team intends to develop and go long-term with Rice, based on the rental contract they gave Goldschmidt. Rice is a strong asset and a future piece of the franchise. The Yankees should prioritize his longevity, due to his age and potential. 

Luke Weaver Making Case as Long-Term Yankee

Another prominent name looking to be part of the Yankees’ future is right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver. Yes, Weaver is 31 years of age and has 10 years of MLB experience. But his recent showings justify a long-term bullpen spot. 

Weaver was a last minute pencil into the closer role last season, when Clay Holmes was repurposed. Weaver did not disappoint, and became a huge asset to the back end of the bullpen. 

This offseason, New York went out to find an established closer, which they found and committed to in Devin Williams. Williams is also signed to a one-year contract, placed on a trial period similar to Goldschmidt.  However, Williams may be here to stay, and the Yankees may have found their stopper. What does that mean for Weaver? For now, he is the backup closer and setup man, mostly the latter.

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Weaver is also off to a good start in the short nine innings of work he has. He’s already recorded one save in seven games, allowing only two hits, no earned runs, and a zero ERA. He’s struck out nine hitters, walking five with a 2.68 FIP. 

His job is to get the ball to the closer, if he’s not shutting the door himself. In a case where Williams folds, the Yankees can let him walk into free agency and move Weaver to the closer role. Either way, Weaver is an asset to the Yankees bullpen, and is set up to be there for a while in a distinguished role. 

 

Photo Credit: © Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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