Ben Rice Hitting 7 Home Runs in HR Derby Has Fans Trolling Him: “Never Let a Yankee Do This Again”

Ben Rice managed just 7 home runs in his first Home Run Derby appearance and suffered a first round elimination.

Ben Rice Hitting 7 Home Runs in HR Derby Has Fans Trolling Him: “Never Let a Yankee Do This Again”

Ben Rice (Image via Yardbarker)

New York Yankees’ rising star Ben Rice was one of the 8 participants in the Home Run Derby this year. In his first appearance in this event, the first baseman managed to hit just 7 home runs. Fans on social media trolled him for this performance.

Rice had an impressive showing in the MLB last season. In 138 games, he hit 26 home runs and had 65 RBIs while batting with a .255 average. This year, he has already crossed his home run count from the previous campaign.

His 29 home runs are the most by a Yankees player this season. He also leads his teammates in the RBI category with 68. Given the way he has played this year, the left-handed hitter decided to participate in the Home Run Derby.

He would have his father, Dan, pitch to him in this event. Unfortunately, his first appearance in this competition did not last long, as he suffered a first-round exit while hitting just 7 home runs.

Rice did not have the best of starts and struggled with his initial swings. He eventually composed himself and slugged 7 bombs out of the park. 4 of his home runs were more than 420 feet, showcasing his strength.

I was in the cage and I was like, ‘I’m going to hit 20 home runs. I’m on fire right now.’ Then I took my first swing and I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s going so fast right now.’

Ben Rice told the reporters after his round

The Yankees star also found himself getting booed by the Philadelphia crowd. With two home stars in Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber participating, the fans were raining down boos on anyone who stood against them.

The boos were crazy, especially in the opening ceremony. It was so cool. I always like to say, ‘They don’t boo nobodies.’ It was just really cool to have them rain down on me, even in the first round, too. That was fun.

Ben Rice said as per SNY

Earlier this week, Rice was named the American League Player of the Week. In 7 games, he went 11-for-26 with 5 home runs and 12 RBIs.

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Fans throw in jokes as Ben Rice suffers first-round elimination from Home Run Derby

Ben Rice suffered a first-round elimination from the 2026 Home Run Derby as he managed to hit just 7 home runs. Fans on social media threw in several jokes while many trolled him for this performance.

Ben Rice
Ben Rice (Image via ClutchPoints)

One user shared a clip of Jazz Chisholm Jr.‘s performance from last season and compared them. Chisholm Jr. managed to hit just 3 home runs in the 2025 derby, leading to many trolling him.

While reacting to this, one user took a shot at the Yankees star and wrote, “Never let a Yankee do this again.” Check out that and some other reactions from X below:

Jordan Walker eventually won the Home Run Derby. The St. Louis Cardinals star silenced the Philadelphia crowd and beat Kyle Schwarber 12-11 to become the 2026 champion.

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Ben Rice received huge praise from ex-teammate Juan Soto at the All-Star Break

Ben Rice earned his first All-Star nomination this year following his strong showing in the 1st half of the season. Before the Home Run Derby on Monday, his ex-teammate Juan Soto heaped some praise on him.

Juan Soto and Ben Rice
Juan Soto and Ben Rice (Image via X/@eyyankees)

Rice and Soto shared the locker room in 2024 during the latter’s sole season with the New York Yankees. That was Rice’s first season in the major leagues.

That year, a rookie Rice played in 50 games and managed 7 home runs and 23 RBIs while batting with a .171 average. While the numbers might not be a good read, Soto had seen him perform live in games and training. The New York Mets star lauded the hitting efforts of Rice and expressed that he would “rake” the ball every time.

Ben Rice, he raked the ball every time. I feel like that’s one of the most impressive things, that every time he’s hitting the ball, it’s just a barrel every time.

Juan Soto said regarding Ben Rice as per SNY

Speaking of Soto, he is the only representative of the Mets in the All-Star Game this year. His 21 home runs and 51 RBIs in 78 games are one of the few shining lights in another dark season for the Mets.

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