​Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesCould Yankees’ Ben Rice return to catcher in 2027? appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Ben Rice made his MLB debut with the New York Yankees during the 2024 season. He primarily played first base, but did catch in one contest. The 2025 campaign saw Rice spend various amounts of time in different roles. He played first base and designated hitter most of the time, but he did catch in 36 games (26 starts). In his 2026 All-Star season, Rice did not catch a single game. With New York in need of catching help, could Rice return to the position in 2027?Bryan Hoch of MLB.com recently published an article that looked at areas of the lineup where the Yankees can improve this offseason. Unsurprisingly, catcher was mentioned. Hoch brought up the idea of Rice being a potential “in-house” option for New York.“One in-house alternative to consider is Rice,” Hoch wrote. “… Given their roster construction, the Yankees would benefit from keeping Rice’s catching in play.”Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)The chances of Ben Rice becoming a full-time catcher in the big leagues are likely slim. He just hit 41 home runs and recorded an .897 OPS while spending time at DH and first base. Forcing Rice to consistently focus on catcher could impact his offensive performance.However, Hoch makes a good point. “Keeping Rice’s catching in play” makes sense. Even if he catches just 20-30 games, having him be a third option of sorts at the position makes sense. The Yankees could lean on two catchers — likely a starter and a backup unless a quality platoon opportunity presents itself. Rice could then start on occasion while still serving as the DH or first baseman most of the time.Will the Yankees take that approach? It remains to be seen. If the Yankees want an uptick in offensive production at the catcher position, 30 games of Rice catching would go a long way toward helping that goal become a reality.Related: Yankees’ Aaron Judge-Jazz Chisholm Jr. ‘stern’ talk report draws honest opinions from ex-playersRelated: Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Rangers’ Corey Seager