{"id":106246,"date":"2025-08-23T20:52:24","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T00:52:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=106246"},"modified":"2025-08-23T20:52:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T00:52:32","slug":"blue-jays-ernie-clement-daulton-varsho-deserve-contract-extensions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/08\/23\/blue-jays-ernie-clement-daulton-varsho-deserve-contract-extensions\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Solid Blue Jays Contributors Deserve Contract Extensions"},"content":{"rendered":"

This season, so far, has been what Toronto Blue Jays fans have yearned for, and two players in particular have stood out enough to earn at least another season with the team. Aside from the obvious player, Bo Bichette<\/a>, who will be a free agent in the offseason, Ernie Clement<\/a> and Daulton Varsho<\/a> are also worthy of contract extensions with the Blue Jays.<\/p>\n

Both have provided solid contributions this season at the plate and in the field. Clement is a player who has really progressed<\/a> since his first season in 2023. Clement has demonstrated how he\u2019s a valuable asset to the team through his infield utility role. Meanwhile, Varsho provides value through his power hitting and stellar defense.<\/p>\n

\"Daulton
May 17, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho (5) takes an at bat during the seventh inning in their MLB game against the Detroit Tigers at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Varsho and Clement Are Deserving of Contract Extensions with Blue Jays<\/h2>\n

Clement in 2025<\/h3>\n

Clement has shown how he can excel at several different positions, including second and third base. He had to play second base when Andr\u00e9s Gim\u00e9nez<\/a> was on the injured list earlier this season, and filled in nicely.<\/p>\n

He made plays reminiscent of the Gold Glove. But let\u2019s not forget that Clement was a finalist for the Gold Glove Award at third base last season. Offensively, he provides speed and urgency, and while he and Nathan Lukes<\/a> have cooled down offensively, they find ways to get on base.<\/p>\n

Swing Batter Batter<\/h3>\n

Clement’s squared up rate, strikeout rate, and whiff rate have all been impressive. His squared up rate has been the most appealing offensive metric that ranks in the 98th percentile at 38.1 %. His whiff rate (13.9%) and strikeout rate (11.3 %) both rank in the 94th percentile. Clement’s sprint speed of 28.7 mph has also stood out. Clement has the strong ability to outrun balls that hit the ground, making him a steady all-around player.<\/p>\n

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4 of Ernie Clement’s 9 Home Runs this season have come on the first pitch pic.twitter.com\/oWIRMVf8Qd<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) August 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n