Blue Jays' Ernie Clement reveals WBC decision after breakout season

Conor Liguori

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Blue Jays' Ernie Clement reveals WBC decision after breakout season image

Team USA continues to add to its roster ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. 

On Tuesday, WBC Baseball on X revealed that Toronto Blue Jays utility infielder Ernie Clement will play for the United States at the WBC. This March will be Clement's appearance in the 20-team international tournament. 

Clement can play shortstop or third and second base for manager Mark DeRosa's club, bringing a nice range of versatility. The 29-year-old made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Guardians in 2021 but finally earned everyday playing time in 2024 with the Blue Jays. 

This past regular season, Clement hit.277/.313/.398 with nine home runs and a.711 OPS in 157 games. He turned up his game in the postseason. 

Clement went nuclear in the postseason 

Amid Toronto's run to the World Series, Clement became a spark plug who seemed to get a hit every plate appearance. Perhaps his performance in the postseason, in a rowdy environment, will help him prepare for WBC games. 

Clement set a single-postseason record with 30 hits and had a 13-game hit streak. He surpassed Randy Arozarena's previous record of 29 by collecting three hits in Game 7 of the World Series. 

“Historic,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider told MLB.com's Manny Randhawa. “You don't see that very often. We're talking about really good pitchers -- right-handers, left-handers. Ernie had a phenomenal year. I hope he wins a Gold Glove. He should. And he kind of became one of the faces of our team because of the way he plays.”

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Editorial Team