Ben Rice's late homer lifts the Yankees over the Blue Jays 5-4 on July 23. As Aaron Judge adds 2 RBIs, trade rumors for Eugenio Suárez heat up. Read the recap.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a microcosm of the Yankees' entire season, it was a rookie who provided the spark when the team needed it most. Ben Rice, the unheralded prospect turned lineup fixture, launched a go-ahead home run to sink the Blue Jays 5-4 on Wednesday night. The blast was more than just a game-winner; it was a statement. As the Yankees fight for playoff position, the front office is working the phones, but the biggest answer might already be in their own dugout.
Ben's at-bat was huge for us in a tight spot.
The Yankees and Blue Jays were locked in a tense back-and-forth affair in Toronto, with neither team able to pull away. Clarke Schmidt delivered a solid performance, going six innings with seven strikeouts while allowing three runs. But the game turned in the late innings, with the score tied and the pressure mounting. That's when Ben Rice stepped up and blasted the decisive solo shot, his third homer in the last five games. Aaron Judge added a double and two RBIs, and Clay Holmes slammed the door for his 25th save, securing a crucial 56th win for the Bombers.
While Rice was providing heroics on the field, the front office was busy looking for reinforcements off it. Reports confirm the Yankees are in active pursuit of Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suárez, one of the premier bats expected to move before the deadline. The Yanks are reportedly leveraging their deep pool of pitching prospects to get a deal done, though they remain adamant that top outfield prospect Spencer Jones is not on the table. If a deal for Suárez falls through, names like Ryan McMahon and Willi Castro are also on the team's radar as they look to solidify third base for the stretch run.
The reason the Yankees are so protective of Spencer Jones is clear: the man is on fire. Since his promotion to Triple-A, Jones has been one of the most productive hitters in the minor leagues, cementing his status as a future impact player. While teams are asking, the answer on Jones is a firm 'no.' This stance forces the Yankees to get creative, using their impressive minor league pitching depth as the primary currency in trade talks. This wealth of arms makes them an ideal trade partner for a team like Arizona, which is desperate for pitching.
Wednesday's victory pushed the Yankees to 56-45, keeping them firmly in second place in the AL East and in a strong playoff position. Advanced models give the team a 90.5% chance of making the postseason. Leading the charge, as always, is Aaron Judge. The captain continues to build his MVP case, boasting a .346 average and a league-leading 36 home runs, providing the consistent superstar production that every championship contender needs.
With the win securing their spot in the AL East standings for now, all eyes turn to the front office. The next week will determine the final form of this 2025 Yankees roster. Will the emergence of Ben Rice temper the need for a blockbuster trade, or will Brian Cashman push his chips in for a proven bat like Suárez to make a definitive World Series push? One thing is certain: with the deadline looming and the team finding ways to win, the Bronx is buzzing with anticipation.
