Jun 16, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (22) hits a two run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Ben Rice will participate in the 2026 Home Run Derby, the Yankees’ slugger announced via social media on Tuesday.
He posted a video on Instagram showing his father pitching to him when he was a child. The caption read: “Dad and I are heading to the HR Derby!”
The 27-year-old is just the second known participant of the derby, which will take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia on Monday. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, who has been red-hot of late with 11 round-trippers in his last 13 games, is also committed to the event.
Rice has stepped up in a big way to carry the Yankees’ offense while Aaron Judge is on the injured list. He leads the team with a .267 batting average, 25 home runs, and 57 RBI in what has become a breakout campaign for him. He was also elected to the American League All-Star team.
Rice will hope to become the first Yankees player to win the Home Run Derby since Judge did so back in 2017. The captain is one of four Yankees to win the competition, alongside Tino Martinez in 1997, Jason Giambi in 2002, and Robinson Cano in 2011.
For more on Ben Rice and the Yankees, visit AMNY.com
