Yankees’ Ben Rice Bows Out Early in 2026 Home Run Derby

In a disappointing showing at the 2026 Home Run Derby, Yankees slugger Ben Rice was eliminated in the first round on Monday night at Citizens Bank Park. Competing among some of the league’s biggest power hitters, Rice struggled to find his rhythm amid the electrifying atmosphere of the event.

As the fifth competitor of the evening, Rice faced the daunting task of kicking off his round with a series of swings that left fans wanting more. The left-handed batter failed to connect for a home run on his first four attempts, a stark contrast to the high expectations surrounding him. It wasn’t until his fifth swing that he finally sent a ball soaring 386 feet to right field.

Though he managed to hit another home run just two pitches later, Rice still struggled to harness his power. With only four home runs under his belt and seven swings remaining, he faced an uphill battle. Ultimately, Rice added just three more home runs to his total before popping up the gold ball on his final swing, concluding his round with a disappointing total of seven home runs—the lowest among all competitors in the first round.

Rice’s early exit mirrored the fate of other notable hitters like Jac Caglianone and Bryce Harper, who each finished with eight homers, and Munetaka Murakami, who managed nine. In contrast, Willson Contreras, Jordan Walker, Junior Caminero, and Kyle Schwarber advanced to the semi-finals, showcasing their power in a thrilling night of baseball.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.