Social media sounds off on Aaron Boone following another controversial decision
The New York Yankees lineup is once again under the spotlight, and manager Aaron Boone is at the center of it. For the second straight game, Boone has made the controversial decision to bench his hottest hitter, Ben Rice, in favor of veteran Paul Goldschmidt due to a left-handed pitcher being on the mound. The problem?
Rice has been one of the best hitters in baseball to start the 2026 season. Platooning players has become more and more common in MLB over the years, but when you are platooning one of your best players, it raises eyebrows. MORE: MLB insider Buster Olney ranks the top 5 free agent signings ever Rice Has Been the Yankees Best Bat in 2026 Oct 7, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Ben Rice (11) hits an RBI single in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game three of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images There’s no debating it: Rice has been elite. He currently leads all of MLB in OPS, consistently producing at a level that has made him the most dangerous bat in the Yankees lineup. Power, on-base ability, and timely hitting have all been there.
Simply put, he’s been the one player you don’t take out of the lineup. Despite that, Boone is leaning into the traditional platoon logic. With a lefty on the mound, he’s opted to go with Goldschmidt, prioritizing matchups over current performance.
It’s a decision rooted in analytics and historical splits—but one that’s becoming harder to justify given Rice’s production. Because at some point, the numbers in front of you matter more than the numbers on paper. The Goldschmidt/Wells Factor Also, what no one seems to want to mention is that even if the Yankees did choose to get Goldschmidt’s bat into the lineup against a lefty, why not use Ben Rice at catcher?