Sometimes, a sponsorship opportunity is just too good to pass up.
Standout Yankees first baseman/catcher Ben Rice now has a deal with Ben’s Original rice, according to a Monday press release from parent company Mars.
Ben Rice. Sponsored by Ben’s rice. No notes.
Mars additionally announced that the partnership will benefit No Kid Hungry, starting with a contribution of 22,000 meals for kids facing food insecurity. The number reflects Rice’s No. 22 jersey, and 22,000 more meals are planned for each time Rice makes a “big play” this season.
"When your name is already built into the partnership, the only thing left to do is swing for the fences," Rice said in a statement. "Ben's Original has built a great legacy, and I'm excited to be part of that while helping more kids and families access the meals they need."
What exactly “big play” means is unclear, but after Rice’s breakout 2025 with 26 home runs, an .836 OPS and an average exit velocity of 93.3 mph, there will probably be more than a few big Rice swings in 2026.
And you’ll have to keep an eye out for more cooked-rice emojis from the Yankees’ social media teams this year, which now have an even more apt meaning behind them.