Yаnkees Seсretly Crаftіng а Long-Term Plаn for Fіrst Bаse Future

Defensively, Rice played 349 innings at first base, logging a .993 fielding percentage with two errors. While his defense wasn’t a glaring weakness, it’s clear there’s room for improvement, especially in terms of positioning and footwork. Having Goldschmidt around for a year is a luxury, giving Rice the chance to watch, learn, and absorb the nuances of playing first base at an elite level.

Paul Goldschmidt: More Than Just a Placeholder

Goldschmidt’s one-year, $12.5 million deal isn’t just about filling a hole in the lineup. The 37-year-old brings years of experience, a meticulous work ethic, and a career’s worth of knowledge about hitting and fielding. He’s the perfect mentor for Rice, who can benefit from daily interactions with one of the most polished players in the game.

Goldschmidt’s 2024 season may have been below his lofty standards—hitting .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs and a 100 wRC+—but his leadership remains invaluable. For Rice, having a veteran like Goldschmidt on the roster is like having a living, breathing instruction manual for the art of first base.

Building for 2026 and Beyond

The Yankees’ strategy with Rice is clear: patience. Instead of rushing him into a full-time role, they’re giving him the time and resources to develop behind the scenes. With Goldschmidt holding down first base for 2025, Rice can focus on improving his pitch recognition, cutting down on strikeouts, and sharpening his defense.

This slow-build approach also makes financial sense. Once Rice is ready to take over in 2026, the Yankees can transition to a cost-controlled option at first base, freeing up resources to address other areas of the roster. It’s a win-win scenario, provided Rice takes the lessons of 2025 and turns them into tangible results.

A Foundation for Success

Rice’s journey to becoming the Yankees’ first baseman of the future isn’t going to be an overnight process. It’s more like planting a seed and nurturing it until it bears fruit. With Goldschmidt as his mentor and the Yankees providing the infrastructure for his development, Rice has the tools to grow into a reliable everyday player. The 2025 season is shaping up to be a critical chapter in his career, setting the stage for what the Yankees hope will be a long and productive stint in pinstripes.