Former Guardians fan favorite is back in familiar position with Blue Jays despite breakout 2025 

At this time last year, Ernie Clement was getting ready for a breakout postseason that seemed to change the trajectory of his career. 

Now it seems like that could no longer be the case. 

Earlier today, Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins talked with the media in his exit interview and touched on a variety of topics, one of which was Clement’s future with the club after getting a ton of run at second base in 2026. 

When Atkins was asked about Clement’s future at the position, he said that Clement is going to have to “earn every bit” of second base. 

Four years ago the Guardians designated Clement for assignment because they didn’t have enough room on the roster for him as a utility infielder. 

Clement may have pushed his way to the front of the line in the Blue Jays’ infield picture with his showing in last year’s postseason, but it seems like he may be back in another spot where he has to earn his spot on his team’s roster. 

Ernie Clement could be on the outs in Toronto after disappointing 2026

Clement finished 2026 with a career-high 590 at-bats, although that resulted in him finishing the year with a .649 OPS and 78 OPS+. He also finished the year with -5 Outs Above Average, which is far cry from his fantastic 2025 season that ended with him earning a Gold Glove nomination. 

He entered the year riding the high from last year’s postseason when he set a postseason record with 30 hits as the Blue Jays came within two outs of winning the World Series. 

He did all that while mostly playing third base, but he moved to second this year thanks to Toronto’s acquisition of Kazuma Okamoto, but that transition didn’t lead to a ton of success. 

Although recently acquired utilityman Josh Smith could fit into that second base picture, Atkins’ comment could also signify a desire to go after some second base targets in free agency, whether it be Brandon Lowe, Luis Arraez or someone else. 

Clement is still thought of highly in Cleveland thanks to his affable personality and the love he showed for Cleveland after he was traded, but he also became a cult hero in Canada last season thanks to his strong performance in the postseason. 

Even though the fanbase thinks highly of him, it seems like that’s only going to do so much for him as the Blue Jays build their team for 2027.

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