The New York Yankees continue to weigh the possibility of deploying Ben Rice as a catcher this season, but no definitive plans have been made to move the player behind the plate in regular games. Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged ongoing discussions about the idea but emphasized that it is not currently part of the team’s immediate strategy.

Rice has emerged as a key offensive contributor for the Yankees, boasting a .998 OPS that ranked second in Major League Baseball as of Monday and leading the team with 19 home runs. Most of his playing time has come at first base and designated hitter, with 37 and 24 starts at those positions, respectively. Boone highlighted the risk of introducing Rice to the more physically demanding catching role, which could potentially compromise his offensive production due to increased wear and tear or injury.

The Yankees have been cautious with Rice’s defensive workload behind the plate. During spring training, he split time between first base and catching but never appeared as a catcher in exhibition games to avoid overexertion. Early in the regular season, Rice participated in some bullpen sessions as a catcher before a bruised hand sidelined him temporarily in May. Although Boone reported that the hand injury is no longer a concern, the team has since scaled back his catching duties.

Rice, who was developed as a catcher in the Yankees’ system, expressed his affinity for the position and continues to engage with catchers on game planning matters. However, he acknowledged that catching has not been a significant part of his role this season.

Injuries to other key players, including a calf setback for Giancarlo Stanton, have opened the door for Rice and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to receive consistent playing time. Despite enticing offensive advantages, Boone suggested the Yankees still plan to rely on their current catching options, whose combined OPS ranks second-lowest among MLB catchers, before potentially exploring external solutions at the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, initial results from the All-Star fan voting, released Monday, show Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger leading their positions among American League outfielders, with Rice trailing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a first baseman candidate. Jazz Chisholm Jr. also holds a position among the top five AL second basemen.