Ben Rice Baseball Savant

Ben Rice and the Baseball Savant: A Deep Dive into a Rising Pitcher

Ben Rice has quietly made a name for himself in the MLB pipeline. As of 4/18/25, his latest metrics are being dissected on Baseball Savant, the premier platform for advanced baseball data. With a blend of velocity, movement, and command, Rice is attracting attention from analysts, scouts, and even former players like Mark DeRosa and Cliff Floyd.

Mark DeRosa and Cliff Floyd Take a Look at Ben Rice

Both former MLB stars have highlighted Rice’s potential in recent interviews. Mark DeRosa praised the pitcher’s “consistent release point” while Cliff Floyd emphasized his “pitch mix” that keeps hitters guessing. Their insights align with the raw numbers on Baseball Savant: a 92‑mph fastball, a sharp slider, and a deceptive changeup.

The World Is Calling It a Breakout, but the Scary Truth About Ben Rice

While social media buzzes with “breakout” headlines, a deeper look at the data reveals a more nuanced picture. Rice’s ERA has dipped from 4.12 last season to 3.45 this year, but his FIP suggests the improvement may partly be due to luck. The scary truth is that his strikeout rate is still below the league average, indicating room for growth.

Fastball velocity: 91–94 mph
Slider: 78–82 mph with 7‑8 inches of break
Changeup: 78–81 mph, 6‑7 inches of vertical drop
WHIP: 1.30 (improved from 1.45)
Strikeout rate: 12.5% (league average 13.8%)

No Surprise but Cal Raleigh Is at the Top! Hunter Goodman Over William Contreras?

In the broader conversation about player performance, Cal Raleigh has emerged as a standout. However, when comparing pitchers, many analysts are debating whether Hunter Goodman or William Contreras should be the focus. Goodman’s ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.10 contrast with Contreras’s 3.52 ERA. While both are promising, Goodman’s consistency makes him a more reliable option.