Ernie Clement: The Blue Jays’ Underdog Infielder Making Gold Glove and Hit Streak History
In the fast-paced world of Major League Baseball, where superstars often dominate headlines, Ernie Clement is quietly carving out his own legacy. The Toronto Blue Jays infielder has become a fan favorite—not just for his clutch performances, but for his relentless work ethic and defensive brilliance. From a historic 2023 Gold Glove nomination to a career-defining 17-game hit streak in 2024, Clement is proving that heart and hustle can outshine even the brightest spotlights.
But who is Ernie Clement, and why is his rise so compelling? Whether you’re a die-hard Blue Jays fan, a baseball analytics enthusiast, or just someone who loves an underdog story, this is what you need to know about the infielder making waves in Toronto—and across MLB.
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Who Is Ernie Clement?
From Undrafted to Undeniable
Ernie Clement’s journey to the majors is the kind of story that inspires Rudy-style underdog narratives. Unlike many of his peers, Clement wasn’t a high-round draft pick. In fact, he went undrafted in 2017 after playing college baseball at the University of Virginia. The Cleveland Guardians (then-Indians) signed him as a free agent, and from there, he clawed his way through the minors with a simple philosophy: outwork everyone else.
Standing at just 5’9” and 170 lbs, Clement doesn’t fit the prototype of a power-hitting infielder. But what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed, defensive IQ, and contact hitting. His minor-league career was marked by consistency—batting averages hovering around .300 and a reputation as one of the slickest fielding shortstops in the system.
The Trade That Changed Everything
Clement’s breakout moment came in 2021, when the Guardians traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for reliever Phil Maton. At the time, it was a relatively low-key move, but it turned out to be a steal for Toronto. Clement quickly became a utility infield weapon, playing shortstop, second base, and third base with equal proficiency.
By 2023, he had cemented himself as a key piece of the Blue Jays’ infield, earning his first Gold Glove nomination—a rare honor for a player who wasn’t even drafted. His defensive metrics (more on those later) placed him among the elite in the American League, and his offensive contributions only added to his value.
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Why Ernie Clement Matters in 2024
A Historic Hit Streak
In June 2024, Clement did something no Blue Jays infielder had done in over a decade: he put together a 17-game hitting streak, the longest by a Toronto player since Edwin Encarnación in 2015. What made it even more impressive? He wasn’t just blooping singles—he was driving in runs, stealing bases, and coming up clutch in late-game situations.
During the streak, Clement slashed an eye-popping .380/.420/.560, proving he wasn’t just a flash in the pan. His ability to spray hits to all fields and avoid strikeouts (a career 12.5% K-rate) made him one of the toughest outs in the Blue Jays’ lineup.
Gold Glove-Caliber Defense
While the hit streak grabbed headlines, Clement’s defensive prowess is what truly sets him apart. In 2023, he posted elite numbers across the board:
- Defensive Runs Saved (DRS): +12 (top 5 among AL shortstops)
- Outs Above Average (OAA): +9 (elite range)
- Fielding Percentage: .985 (only 6 errors in 400+ chances)
His arm strength and quick first step make him a vacuum at shortstop, and his ability to turn double plays smoothly has been a game-changer for Toronto’s pitching staff. Scouts and analysts often compare his defensive style to Nick Ahmed and Andrelton Simmons—high praise for a player who wasn’t even on the radar a few years ago.
A Leader in the Clubhouse
Beyond the stats, Clement has become a cultural cornerstone for the Blue Jays. Teammates rave about his work ethic, baseball IQ, and humility. In a clubhouse filled with stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, Clement’s blue-collar approach has earned him respect—and a growing fanbase.
As Blue Jays manager John Schneider put it: “Ernie’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better. He doesn’t take a single play off, and that rubs off on the team.”
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How Ernie Clement Does It: The Secrets Behind His Success
1. Elite Contact Skills
Clement’s hitting philosophy is simple: put the ball in play. In an era dominated by launch angle and home runs, he’s a throwback—focusing on high-contact, line-drive swings. His career 88.5% contact rate (per Statcast) is among the best in MLB, and his low strikeout rate makes him a nightmare for pitchers in big spots.
Key Stat: In 2024, Clement ranks in the top 10% of MLB in whiff rate (18.5%) and chase rate (22%), meaning he rarely swings at bad pitches.
2. Defensive Mastery
Clement’s defense isn’t just good—it’s transformative. His range, hands, and instincts allow him to make plays that most infielders can’t. Here’s how he does it:
- Pre-Pitch Positioning: Studies hitters’ tendencies to anticipate where the ball will go.
- Quick First Step: Uses his 4.5-second 40-yard dash speed to cover ground.
- Strong Arm: Despite his size, his 85+ mph throws from deep in the hole are accurate.
3. Mental Toughness
Clement’s rise from undrafted to Gold Glove contender didn’t happen by accident. His mental approach sets him apart:
- Routine-Oriented: Spends extra hours on fielding drills and film study.
- Adaptability: Switches positions seamlessly (SS, 2B, 3B) without losing effectiveness.
- Clutch Gene: In 2024, he’s hitting .320 with RISP (ruers in scoring position).
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Ernie Clement by the Numbers: Career Highlights (2021–2024)
| Season | Games | AVG/OBP/SLG | HR | SB | DRS | OAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 40 | .288/.328/.388 | 2 | 5 | +3 | +2 |
| 2022 | 85 | .293/.337/.410 | 4 | 10 | +8 | +5 |
| 2023 | 120 | .291/.340/.420 | 7 | 14 | +12 | +9 |
| 2024 (as of June) | 60 | .315/.360/.480 | 5 | 8 | +7 | +6 |
Notable Achievements:
- 2023 Gold Glove Finalist (AL SS) – First undrafted player nominated in a decade.
- 17-Game Hit Streak (2024) – Longest by a Blue Jay since 2015.
- 2023 AL Fielding Bible Award Nominee – Recognized as one of the best defensive infielders in baseball.
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What’s Next for Ernie Clement?
Contract and Future with the Blue Jays
Clement is under team control through 2026, making him a cornerstone of Toronto’s infield for years to come. With Bo Bichette locked in at shortstop, Clement has shifted primarily to second and third base, but his versatility ensures he’ll remain a key piece.
Extension Talk: If he continues this trajectory, a long-term deal (think 3–5 years, $20M–$30M) could be on the table—especially if he wins a Gold Glove in 2024.
Could He Be a Trade Chip?
While the Blue Jays have no reason to move him now, Clement’s affordability and high floor make him an attractive trade asset if Toronto ever rebuilds. Teams ieed of elite defense and contact hitting (looking at you, Yankees, Dodgers, Braves) would line up for his services.
The Hall of Fame Question (Yes, Really)
It’s early, but if Clement maintains this level of play for 8–10 more years, he could enter the defensive specialist Hall of Fame conversation. Players like Ozzie Smith and Luis Aparicio built careers on glove-first excellence—why not Clement?
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How to Watch Ernie Clement in 2024
Want to catch Clement in action? Here’s how:
- TV: Blue Jays games air on Sportsnet (Canada) and MLB Network (US).
- Streaming: MLB.TV, YouTube TV, or FuboTV.
- Highlights: Follow @BlueJays on Twitter/X or check MLB’s YouTube for his best plays.
- In Person: Grab tickets at Rogers Centre—Clement’s defensive gems are best seen live!
Pro Tip: Watch for his backhand stops at shortstop and opposite-field hitting—two of his signature skills.
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Ernie Clement vs. The Rest: How He Stacks Up
Compared to Other Elite Defensive Infielders (2023–2024)
| Player | DRS (2023) | OAA (2023) | AVG (2024) | War (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ernie Clement | +12 | +9 | .315 | 2.1 |
| Andrés Giménez (CLE) | +15 | +10 | .280 | 2.5 |
| Dansby Swanson (CHC) | +18 | +12 | .250 | 2.3 |
| Francisco Lindor (NYM) | +8 | +6 | .270 | 2.0 |
Takeaway: Clement isn’t just a defensive specialist—he’s out-hitting some of the game’s best gloves while matching their fielding metrics.
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The Ernie Clement Effect: Why Blue Jays Fans Love Him
In a sport where $300M contracts and 100-mph fastballs dominate headlines, Ernie Clement is a reminder that grit, IQ, and heart still matter. Here’s why he’s become a fan favorite:
- Underdog Story: From undrafted to Gold Glove contender—fans love a Cinderella tale.
- Clutch Performances: His walk-off hits and game-saving plays have turned games around.
- Hustle Plays: Whether it’s a diving stop or a heads-up steal, he never takes a play off.
- Humility: In interviews, he credits teammates, coaches, and luck—never himself.
As one Blue Jays fan put it on Reddit: “Clement is the kind of player you root for even if he’s not on your team. He’s what baseball should be about.”
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Conclusion: Why Ernie Clement’s Story Matters
Ernie Clement isn’t just a good baseball player—he’s a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets relentless effort. In an era where analytics and power dominate, he’s proving that defense, contact hitting, and intangibles still win games.
For the Blue Jays, he’s a building block for a bright future. For baseball fans, he’s a reminder that not every star is born—some are made through sheer determination.
So the next time you watch a Blue Jays game, don’t just focus on the home runs. Watch number 18—the guy making impossible plays look routine, the guy who wasn’t supposed to be here but refuses to leave. Because if there’s one thing Ernie Clement has taught us, it’s that the best stories in baseball aren’t always about the biggest names—sometimes, they’re about the guys who outwork, outthink, and outlast everyone else.
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