Goldschmidt Starts Over Ben Rice as Yankees’ First-Base Battle Takes Another Odd Turn

In what has become one of the more intriguing battles on the Yankees’ roster, Paul Goldschmidt starts over Ben Rice at 1B on Friday against the San Francisco Giants and their starter Robbie Ray. The decision comes as both players have struggled mightily against Ray. Yet the former Diamondbacks star continues to receive the everyday opportunities in the lineup.

The numbers tell a strange story. As I first reported, while Ben Rice went 0-for-2 with a pair of strikeouts against his opponent today. Goldschmidt on the other hand, was even worse — 0-for-5 with four strikeouts in limited at-bats.

The irony is thick: Goldschmidt spent time as Ray’s teammate in Arizona, yet he’s been completely overmatched by the left-hander in this small sample.

Both first basemen sit at .000 batting averages against Ray. This with Goldschmidt’s five at-bats and Rice’s two appearing side-by-side in the Yankees’ versus-Ray char. Each circled in the kind of highlight that raises eyebrows rather than celebrates performance.

For a club still sorting out its 2026 roster, the choice to start Goldschmidt speaks volumes. The 38-year-old is was a proven commodity. A former MVP, perennial Gold Glove candidate, and clubhouse leader who hit .250 or better in nine of his last ten full seasons before joining New York. The Yankees signed him precisely for moments like this. To provide stability at a position that hasbeen in flux since Anthony Rizzo’s departure. Rice, by contrast, is the exciting internal option.

The 24-year-old left-handed hitter has legitimate power. He has shown flashes of the plate discipline that could make him a long-term solution. But spring training is about earning trust. Right now the Yankees appear unwilling to hand the job to the kid without a fight. Today’s game against the Giants offered another data point in that competition. Ray, who won a Cy Young with the Mariners and has history with Goldschmidt from their Arizona days, has been a thorn for both.

Yet while Rice’s two at-bats came in a pinch or late-inning role, Goldschmidt was in the cleanup spot from the jump. That extra exposure — five at-bats to Rice’s two — suggests manager Aaron Boone and the front office are still leaning on the veteran’s track record. This even when the results are not even there. The larger picture is clear: the Yankees want production at first base, and they want it now.

After yesterday’s opening day win, they cannot afford to wait for Rice to find his swing if Goldschmidt can provide even average offense and elite defense.

The former All-Star’s glove remains elite, and his presence allows the club to keep Rice developing without the pressure of every-day major-league reps.

Still, the optics are curious. A veteran who was teammates with the opposing pitcher going 0-for-5 with four punch-outs while the young contender goes 0-for-2 with two is hardly the ringing endorsement many expected when Goldschmidt was signed.

My post captured the oddity perfectly: “Here’s an odd one… HM………”As the Yankees continue their 1st month of the season, the first-base competition remains fluid and very weird.

Goldschmidt’s start today seemingly keeps the veteran in the driver’s seat and LHP’s but… Rice’s upside ensures the battle is far from over. One thing is certain — both players will have plenty more opportunities to prove themselves before the regular season begins.

For now, though, experience is winning the day, even when the bat isn’t cooperating.

BY: Adam King