Ben Rice's 9th-inning HR lifts the Yankees over the Blue Jays 5-4 on July 23. See how the rookie's heroics and a key Aaron Judge double secured the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some moments feel like they're straight out of a movie script. Top of the ninth, game tied, and a rookie steps to the plate with a chance to be the hero. On Wednesday night in Toronto, Ben Rice lived that script, launching a go-ahead 389-foot home run to power the Yankees to a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Blue Jays.
I just wanted to put a good swing on it. It’s a dream moment.
While Rice's blast will grab the headlines, it was a true team win. The Yankees built an early lead thanks to a two-run double from Aaron Judge and an RBI single from Gleyber Torres in the third. Carlos Rodón delivered a strong performance on the mound, battling for 6.1 innings while striking out seven. The bullpen bent but didn't break, with a crucial double play turned by Anthony Volpe in the eighth before Clay Holmes slammed the door for his 27th save in a tense final frame.
Even as the Yankees celebrate a key divisional win, the front office is working the phones. Reports have intensified linking the team to Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez. With the hot corner being a persistent area of need, acquiring a veteran power bat like Suárez could be the final piece for a deep postseason run. The clock is ticking towards the trade deadline, and this is the name to watch.
So, what would a trade for Suárez cost? The Yankees are fortunate to be dealing from a position of strength, with deep minor league pitching depth that is attractive to rebuilding clubs. However, sources indicate one name is off the table: Spencer Jones. The top prospect has been tearing the cover off the ball since his promotion to Triple-A, solidifying his status as an untouchable future cornerstone of the Bronx lineup.
Looking even further ahead, the Yankees' recent 2025 draft class reveals a clear organizational philosophy: dominate the strike zone. The team targeted players with advanced plate discipline and command, including shortstops Dax Kilby and Kaeden Kent. A particularly intriguing pick is 9th-round RHP Blake Gillespie, who posted a staggering 2.42 ERA with 131 strikeouts and a no-hitter in his final college season. His plus-slider and control make him a potential fast-riser.
Tonight was a perfect snapshot of the 2025 Yankees: a rookie hero delivering in the present, a front office aggressively pursuing upgrades for the pennant race, and a farm system brimming with future stars like Spencer Jones and the newly drafted Blake Gillespie. As the team heads into the final stretch before the deadline, every win counts, and every move is magnified. One thing is clear: the Yankees are all-in on winning now and for years to come.
