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Blue Jays: How Ernie Clement can build on his breakout season in 2026
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Photo credit: © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Ben Wrixon
Jan 22, 2026, 09:00 ESTUpdated: Jan 22, 2026, 04:29 EST
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Ernie Clement embodies everything the Toronto Blue Jays are all about: he hustles, he plays great defense, and he is an absolute pest in the batter’s box. 
He endeared himself to Blue Jays fans throughout the 2025 season with his energy and selfless playstyle, then shone on the biggest stage with an MLB-record 30 hits during the team’s postseason run. Clement has set the bar high for himself, but he might actually be capable of more in 2026. 
Clement recorded a .277 batting average with a .711 OPS and a career-high 35 doubles last season. He did most of his damage against left-handed pitchers, recording a .900 OPS and six home runs against southpaws. His OPS+ of 95 was slightly below average. These numbers are solid yet hardly the kind that can’t be improved upon, let alone replicated, by such a talented player. 
Clement actually hit fewer home runs and stole fewer bases in 2025 compared to the previous year. There’s nothing to suggest his overall body of work isn’t sustainable. What’s even more encouraging is that there are clear areas in which he can get better. 
It starts with bat speed. Clement’s average swing speed of 67.6 mph ranked in just the fifth percentile, but was up from his 66.8 mph average in 2024.
Could that number go up again this season? It’s not impossible, especially considering the jump George Springer experienced under the tutelage of new hitting coach David Popkins. Clement’s bat-to-ball skills are elite; a bit more power could supercharge his production. 
Another way Clement can build upon his breakout is by continuing to improve his swing selection. Being aggressive is in his DNA; he’s not going to turn into Juan Soto overnight. However, he did lower his chase rate from a very bad 43.4% in 2024 to a slightly better 36.4% in 2025. Continued improvement will ensure Clement keeps getting pitches he can hit with authority. 
Defensively, Clement just needs to keep doing what he’s been doing. He excelled all over the infield in 2025 and will likely spend most of his time at second base this year. It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if he winds up winning a Gold Glove for his efforts there. 
While yes, what Clement did throughout the playoffs is not sustainable, there’s no reason to think he can’t repeat what he did during the regular season — or get a little better. 

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