When MLB announced the American League Silver Slugger winners on Friday, there was plenty for the New York Yankees to celebrate. Aaron Judge added a fifth Silver Slugger to his already jam-packed trophy case, while Jazz Chisholm Jr. earned his first, solidifying his breakout season in pinstripes. To top it off, the Yankees were recognized with the team-wide award, a testament to the club’s fearsome lineup that was, by nearly every measure, the most dangerous in baseball.

Still, the moment wasn’t entirely sweet. One Yankee — rookie Ben Rice — had every right to feel overlooked.

Ben Rice’s Case Was Stronger Than Voters Realize

Cody Bellinger missing out in the outfield made sense. The competition was stacked with Byron Buxton, Riley Greene, and Judge all putting up superior numbers. But t

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