Ben Rice would love a shot at the Home Run Derby. He said Tuesday that if he gets asked, he would do it. Rice also said he has not heard anything about an invitation, even as he sits in the AL home run race and has 20 homers this season.
Rice and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Rice ranked second behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. among American League first basemen in the first fan voting results this week. That left no guarantee he would be in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game, which makes the Home Run Derby interest part of the same All-Star week picture rather than a separate lane.
“If I were to get asked to go, I would love to do it,” Rice said before the Yankees opened a series in The Bronx against the White Sox with a 12-2 win. He added, “I have not heard anything about it, but sure, I’d be interested.”
Yankees and the AL home run race
Rice’s place in the AL home run race gives the comment real weight. He trailed only Houston’s Yordan Alvarez and Minnesota’s Byron Buxton in that race, and his 20th homer came Tuesday before the Yankees’ 12-2 win. For a player tracking both ballot position and power totals, the Derby offer would fit the same season arc.
He framed the event simply: “I’ve watched it every year.” Then he added, “It would be fun.” That is the part to watch now. Rice has said yes if the invite comes, but the invite itself has not arrived.
Whether Ben Rice gets that Home Run Derby chance is the next step, and the answer will decide whether his 20-homer season becomes part of the All-Star Game in Philadelphia or stays limited to the race he is already chasing in the AL.
