In a move that shook the baseball world, the New York Yankees officially announced that Ben Rice had signed a permanent contract with the team, making him one of the few players in MLB history to be awarded this honor while still playing. The news immediately created a wave of shock and excitement among Yankees fans and the entire league.
Ben Rice, known for his consistent pitching, tireless fighting spirit and locker room leadership, has become a living symbol of the Yankees. Before signing a permanent contract, Rice had a 2.95 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, and more than 1,200 strikeouts in his 12-season MLB career. These impressive numbers are just the tip of the iceberg, as Rice is beloved for his ability to inspire, lead teammates, and unite the fan base.

A Yankees insider revealed that the contract is not only symbolic, but also places Rice in a long-term advisory role, helping to coach younger players within the Yankees organization. What’s special is that there is no time limit or number of years in the contract — a rare move in MLB history, showing that the team values Rice not only for his skills but also for his cultural, spiritual, and iconic influence on the team.
Ben Rice shared during the contract signing ceremony: “I never imagined I would be with one team for the rest of my life. The Yankees are not just a team, they are a family, where I live, breathe, and fight every day. I hope to continue to inspire fans and teammates for many years to come.”
The move is also a major shock to the MLB community, as it has never been seen before that many active players have received permanent contracts. This is a testament to Rice’s value not only on the field but also off the field, where he has always been the face of the Yankees spirit: loyal, dedicated and inspirational.

Experts say that signing Rice permanently also opens a new direction for MLB, when teams begin to see players not only for their achievements on the field but also for their cultural influence, leadership ability and long-term value to the organization. This could become a new trend in roster management, where “living icons” are honored even while they are still playing.
Yankees fans have expressed their excitement on social media, with the hashtags #BenRiceForeverYankees and #YankeesLegend spreading across platforms. Many fans shared: “Rice is not just an excellent pitcher, he is a living icon. Signing him permanently is proof that the Yankees appreciate players who truly contribute and make an impact.”
With this move, Ben Rice officially enters the ranks of living Yankees legends, where his name, contributions and spirit will be honored forever. This is a historic moment not only for the Yankees but also for all of MLB, reminding every fan that loyalty, dedication and inspiration are timeless values in baseball.
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