Ernie Clement: The Blue Jays’ Unlikely Star Who’s Redefining Hustle in Baseball

He doesn’t hit 400-foot homers. He doesn’t have a $100 million contract. But right now, Ernie Clement might be the most fascinating player in baseball. Here’s why the Blue Jays’ scrappy infielder is making history—and why his story matters more than you think.

Picture this: It’s the bottom of the ninth, two outs, and your team is down by one. The pitcher on the mound is throwing 98 mph heat. Who do you want at the plate? Most fans would scream for Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette. But this season, Ernie Clement—the undrafted, 5’9” utility infielder—has been the Blue Jays’ secret weapon in exactly these moments. With a 20-game hit streak (and counting) and Gold Glove-caliber defense, Clement isn’t just having a breakout year—he’s rewriting the script on what it means to be a "role player" in modern baseball.

So how did a guy who wasn’t even drafted out of college become one of the most reliable players on a playoff-contending team? And what can his story teach us about grit, opportunity, and the changing game of baseball? Let’s break it down.

Who Is Ernie Clement? The Journey from Undrafted to Unstoppable

The College Grind: Proving Everyone Wrong

Ernie Clement’s path to the majors wasn’t paved with five-star recruit rankings or ESPN highlight reels. After a solid but unspectacular high school career in Rochester, New York, he walked on at the University of Virginia—meaning he wasn’t even offered a scholarship. By his senior year, he’d worked his way into the lineup, slashing .345/.421/.432 and earning All-ACC honors. Yet when the 2017 MLB Draft rolled around? Zero calls.

Most players would’ve hung up their cleats. Clement? He signed with the Cleveland Guardians as an undrafted free agent for a $1,000 bonus—yes, you read that right—and spent the next five years clawing his way through the minors. His secret? A .300+ career batting average in the minors and a reputation as one of the smartest, most versatile defenders in the system. As one scout put it: "He’s not toolsy, but he’s a baseball player."

The Blue Jays’ Gamble (And Why It’s Paying Off)

When Toronto claimed Clement off waivers in November 2022, it barely made headlines. Fast-forward to 2024, and he’s been worth 2.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) in just half a season—as a part-time player. His .320 batting average (as of July 2024) ranks among the AL’s best, and his 20-game hit streak is the longest by a Blue Jay since Freddy Galvis in 2019.

But here’s the kicker: Clement isn’t just getting lucky. His approach is deliberate. He rarely swings at pitches outside the zone (just 18.2% chase rate, per Statcast), and his contact rate (88.5%) is elite. As he told The Athletic: "I know I’m not going to hit 30 homers. But if I can put the ball in play and make the other team work, that’s my job."

"He’s the kind of player you root for because he’s out there proving that baseball isn’t just about exit velo and launch angles. It’s about heart." — Blue Jays broadcaster Buck Martinez

Gold Glove Defense: How Clement Became a Defensive Wizard

The Metrics Don’t Lie

While his bat has stolen headlines, Clement’s glove might be his most valuable tool. Playing second base, shortstop, and third base this season, he’s posted:

+5 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) (tied for 3rd among AL 2B)
+4 Outs Above Average (OAA) (top 10% of infielders)
Zero errors in his last 40 games at 2B

What makes him special? Instincts. Clement’s first-step quickness and ability to read hops are reminiscent of DJ LeMahieu in his prime. Watch him turn a double play, and you’ll see why managers trust him in high-leverage spots.

The "Little Things" That Win Games

Baseball’s analytics revolution has made it easy to overlook intangibles. But Clement excels in the "1% plays"—the ones that don’t show up in the box score:

Bunt defense: He’s saved multiple runs with barehanded grabs on tricky bunts.
Relay throws: His accuracy on turns from the outfield has bailed out teammates.
Pitcher communication: He’s constantly adjusting infield positioning based on scouting reports.

As Blue Jays pitcher Kevin Gausman put it: "Ernie’s the guy who makes the routine play look routine—and the impossible play look routine too."

Inside the Hit Streak: How Clement Stays Locked In

The Mental Game: "See the Ball, Hit the Ball"

During his 20-game hit streak, Clement didn’t change his swing or his routine. He just simplified. His approach:

Stick to the middle: He focuses on driving the ball up the middle, not pulling for power.
Two-strike discipline: He’s fouled off 23 pitches in single at-bats this season to extend plate appearances.
Opposite-field hitting: 40% of his hits during the streak went to right field—a rarity in today’s pull-happy game.

His streak ended on a 107 mph line drive… that was caught. Even in "failure," he proved his process works.

The Physical Edge: Why His Swing Works

Clement’s swing isn’t pretty by modern standards. It’s short, compact, and repeatable. Key traits:

Low leg kick: Minimizes timing issues against high velocity.
Quick hands: His bat speed ranks in the 70th percentile despite his size.
Balance: He rarely lunges, which helps him cover the entire strike zone.

Fun fact: His swing path is eerily similar to Tony Gwynn’s—another undersized hitter who made a career out of hitting line drives.

Why Ernie Clement Matters Beyond the Box Score

The Death of the "Three True Outcomes" Era?

Baseball in the 2020s has been dominated by home runs, walks, and strikeouts. But players like Clement are pushing back. His success is proof that:

Contact still matters. In a league where the average strikeout rate is 22.6%, Clement’s 12.8% K-rate is a throwback.
Versatility is undervalued. He’s played four positions this year—including emergency center field in a blowout.
Culture wins. The Blue Jays’ clubhouse loves him, and his energy is infectious.

A Blueprint for Underdogs Everywhere

Clement’s story isn’t just about baseball. It’s about:

Maximizing your strengths (even if they’re not "sexy").
Outworking the competition in areas others ignore.
Staying ready so you don’t have to get ready.

As he told Sportsnet: "I’ve always believed that if you give me a chance, I’ll find a way to help the team win. Doesn’t matter how."

What’s Next for Clement (And Why You Should Watch)

The Gold Glove Race

With his defensive metrics and highlight-reel plays, Clement is a legitimate Gold Glove candidate at second base. He’ll face stiff competition from Andrés Giménez (Guardians) and Marcus Semien (Rangers), but his advanced stats (like OAA) give him a real shot.

Can He Keep Hitting?

The hit streak will grab headlines, but the real question is whether Clement can sustain a .300+ average over a full season. The good news?

His .350 BABIP (batting average on balls in play) is high, but his hard-hit rate (42%) suggests it’s not pure luck.
He’s not chasing—his 18.2% chase rate is elite.
The Blue Jays’ analytics team loves his approach, which means he’ll keep getting opportunities.

The Biggest Wildcard: Playing Time

Clement’s biggest obstacle isn’t talent—it’s roster construction. The Blue Jays have Bo Bichette locked in at shortstop and Cavan Biggio/Davis Schneider competing for time at second. But if Clement keeps producing, manager John Schneider will find a way to keep him in the lineup, even if it means playing left field or DH.

How to Watch (And Appreciate) Ernie Clement

Where to Catch Him

If you want to see Clement in action:

TV: Blue Jays games air on Sportsnet (Canada) and MLB Network (U.S.).
Streaming: MLB.TV or YouTube TV (with Sportsnet add-on).
Highlights: Follow @BlueJays on Twitter/X or check MLB’s YouTube for his best plays.

What to Look For

When Clement’s up to bat or in the field, watch for:

His two-strike approach: He’ll choke up and battle until he gets his pitch.
First-step quickness: He’s often moving before the ball is hit.
Situational hitting: He’s 10-for-12 this year with runners in scoring position and two outs.

The Bigger Picture: What Clement’s Success Means for Baseball

Ernie Clement isn’t a fluke. He’s a symbol of a shifting tide in baseball. As teams grow tired of the all-or-nothing approach that’s led to record strikeout rates and longer games, players who can put the ball in play, play elite defense, and contribute in multiple ways are becoming more valuable.

He’s also proof that the "toolsy" prospect isn’t the only path to the majors. In an era where exit velocity and spin rates dominate scouting reports, Clement’s success is a reminder that baseball IQ, hustle, and adaptability still matter.

As the Blue Jays push for a playoff spot, Clement might not be the face of the franchise. But he’s becoming the heart of the team—and a player who makes you remember why you fell in love with the game in the first place.

Join the Conversation

Ernie Clement’s story is still being written. Will he win a Gold Glove? Can he keep hitting .300? And how far can the Blue Jays go with his scrappy, do-it-all energy in the lineup?

We want to hear from you:

What’s your favorite Ernie Clement moment so far?
Do you think he’s a one-year wonder or a future star?
Who’s another "underdog" player you love to watch?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the kind of baseball player who makes the game fun again.

P.S. Want more underdog stories and Blue Jays insights? Check out our other posts:

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Kebun Firdaus

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