During Spring Training this season, Toronto Blue Jays utility player Ernie Clement worked hard to earn himself a roster spot on the bench. He’s continued proving himself this season with more playing time and is working towards another earned roster spot next season.
Throwback to Spring Training when the #Bluejays were considering keeping Ernie Clement off the roster…
Safe to say that they made the right call holding on to him pic.twitter.com/YkQs0pDrew
— Blue Jays Today (@TodayJays) August 15, 2024
Looking Ahead At 2025 With Blue Jays Utility Player
Clement’s Progress
Clement has come a long way from his 2023 MLB debut with the Blue Jays. On May 23, he was called up from Triple-A Buffalo, where he made his debut against the Tampa Bay Rays. He finished off that day going 1-for-1. Clement had a progressive and impressive 2023 season with the Blue Jays, making a name for himself. In September of the 2023 season, Clement went 10-for-12 with runners in scoring position. The fact that Clement is a utility player has functioned well for the Blue Jays, as they have been able to move him around when needed with all the injuries that have accumulated in the 2024 season.
Clement is a versatile player who has taken his role of utility player to a whole other level. Clement also has pitching experience and even came into pitch for the Blue Jays this season. On July 25th, he was put into the ninth inning of the game when the Blue Jays bullpen had taken a beating by the Tampa Bay Rays. The Blue Jays were blown out with 10 earned runs given up by them.
Clement’s Successful 2024 Season
With the Blue Jays this season, he has a batting average of .273, seven home runs, and 35 RBIs. In the Angels series, where the Blue Jays swept them, he recorded three RBIs, a home run, and a triple. Clement has speed with eight stolen bases this season and the ability to outrun plays at first base, and he also has some pop to his bat. Clement brings a lot to the table and could revamp and progress further than he’s already presented. He’s won many people, and this season has been a career-high in hits (78) and home runs (7).
Clement hasn’t quite reached his prime in his career, but he is undoubtedly inching closer. He is playing for a job next season, but whether he will remain with them is uncertain. But, with his boosted stats this season, he deserves a roster spot next season with the Blue Jays, especially if he can continue to be productive for the remainder of the 2024 season.
Main Photo Credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
