Episode Details

Ben Rice had a solid Sunday with hits and RBIs, but his rising strikeout rate—now hovering around 31% in the second half—is raising red flags. After a stellar 2025 season that included an All-Star nod and MVP buzz, his 2026 numbers have slipped, especially since May’s injury to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton’s absence. His August slump (BA under .150, few extra-base hits) and increased swing percentage on out-of-zone pitches suggest he’s swinging harder, not smarter, hurting his contact rate. While his walk rate remains strong, the trend is concerning as October nears—Rice may be a great player, but can he carry a lineup when the big names are gone?

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