Yankees' Ben Rice to compete in 2026 Home Run Derby

New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice will participate in the 2026 MLB Home Run Derby, scheduled for Monday, July 13 in Philadelphia. The 27-year-old slugger announced his commitment via social media on Tuesday, July 7.

Rice leads the Yankees with 26 home runs this season and has emerged as a key offensive contributor. He said he was honored to receive the invitation and noted that his father, Dan Rice, who pitched for Brown University in the 1980s, will throw to him during the event. The pair have already begun practicing. Rice explained that he needed to ensure his father could participate, as Dan has pitched to him throughout his baseball career.

This marks the second consecutive year a Yankees player will compete in the Derby. Last year, teammate Jazz Chisholm Jr. was eliminated in the first round. Rice will aim to become the first Yankee to win the event since Aaron Judge did so as a rookie in 2017. Only four Yankees have ever won the Home Run Derby: Judge, Tino Martinez (1997), Jason Giambi (2002), and Robinson Canó (2011). Canó also won with his father pitching to him.

Rice's participation adds a notable power hitter to the Derby field, which currently includes Tampa...