Ernie Clement -- General News

Ernie Clement is a 28-year-old utility infielder currently with the Toronto Blue Jays, capable of playing third base, second base, and shortstop. Standing 6-0 and weighing 170 pounds, Clement bats and throws right-handed. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 4th round of the 2017 MLB June Amateur Draft out of the University of Virginia. Clement made his MLB debut on June 13, 2021, at age 25 against Seattle and exceeded rookie limits during the 2021 season. In 2025, Clement posted solid offensive numbers with a .277 batting average, 9 home runs, and 50 RBIs across 545 at-bats while accumulating 4.3 WAR. Over his career spanning 1313 at-bats, Clement has a .260 average with 25 home runs, 126 RBIs, and 7.7 WAR. He is currently in his first year of arbitration eligibility in 2026 and will become a free agent following the 2029 season, having accumulated 3.168 years of service time as of January 2026.

Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Ernie Clement recorded an exceptional 5-for-5 performance on Saturday, including a home run, marking his second multi-hit game of the season. This achievement places Clement in exclusive company within Blue Jays franchise history. He is now one of only six players to record multiple five-hit games while wearing a Toronto uniform. Dante Bichette leads this category with four such games during his Blue Jays tenure, while George Bell, Frank Catalanotto, George Springer, and one other player round out the list with two five-hit games each. Notably, both of the Blue Jays' most recent five-hit games have been accomplished by Clement, underscoring his consistency as a high-contact hitter. Clement is characterized as an old-school hitter who prioritizes early contact and consistency over power, but when that contact consistently results in hits, it produces outstanding offensive performances.

Ernie Clement has been named to Team USA's roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, marking his first appearance in the tournament. The announcement comes on the heels of an exceptional postseason performance with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.

Clement established an MLB record for hits in a single postseason with 30, batting .411 with a .977 OPS across 18 games. He recorded 13 runs scored, 9 RBIs, 6 doubles, and 1 home run while maintaining a 16-game hitting streak throughout the Blue Jays' run to the World Series. The 29-year-old, a Rochester native, has proven to be a valuable contributor since signing with Toronto in 2023 after his release by the Athletics, accumulating 7.7 WAR over the past two years while playing strong defense at multiple infield positions and maintaining a .271 batting average.

With Bo Bichette entering free agency and Andrés Giménez shifting from second base to shortstop, Clement is positioned to become the Blue Jays' starting second baseman in 2026. Team USA begins WBC Pool B play on March 6 at 8 p.m. ET against Brazil in Houston.

Ernie Clement has been named a player ambassador for WestJet Airlines, marking a significant off-field career milestone. As the Blue Jays' official airline partner, WestJet will leverage Clement's role to develop fan experiences, social storytelling, and special campaigns targeting Blue Jays supporters across Canada. Clement's rise with Toronto has been notable—he arrived before the 2023 season on a minor league deal following unsuccessful tenures with Cleveland and Oakland, and has since established himself as one of the franchise's most valuable players. In 2026, he is hitting .281 with a .695 OPS, 13 doubles, and 9 RBIs, while also providing defensive flexibility across the diamond. His marketability extends beyond current performance; Clement set an MLB record with 30 hits during Toronto's 2025 postseason World Series run, elevating his profile significantly. The timing of this partnership comes as the Blue Jays have lost four consecutive games and sit tied for last place in the AL East, making positive news valuable for team morale. WestJet's choice of Clement reflects not just his on-field productivity, but his recognizable, energetic presence and strong connection to one of the franchise's most significant baseball stretches in recent years.

Ernie Clement, the 30-year-old Toronto Blue Jays infielder, has announced a partnership with WestJet Airlines, officially becoming a player ambassador for the company. WestJet, the official airline of the Blue Jays, stated that Clement will collaborate with the airline on fan experiences, social storytelling, and special campaigns celebrating Blue Jays fans across Canada.

Clement has emerged as one of the team's most valuable players since arriving in Toronto before the 2023 season on a minor league deal. In 2026, he is batting .281 with a .305 on-base percentage, .695 OPS, and leads the American League with 13 doubles. He is also recognized as one of the best defensive players in MLB and provides elite versatility across the infield. Notably, Clement set the MLB postseason record with 30 hits during Toronto's recent World Series run.

While expanding his off-field presence through the WestJet partnership, Clement's primary focus remains on-field performance. The Blue Jays are currently preparing for a home series against the Los Angeles Angels beginning Friday, looking to end a four-game losing streak that has left them tied with the Boston Red Sox for last place in the AL East.