Ernie Clement has navigated a challenging journey to reach the pinnacle of Major League Baseball, but his dream of playing in the postseason is finally within reach. As the 29-year-old infielder prepares for his first playoff experience this Saturday, he reflects on the ups and downs that have defined his career thus far.
Clement’s path to the majors has been anything but straightforward. He has faced significant obstacles, including being designated for assignment twice. Once claimed on waivers by another team and later signed to a minor-league deal after going unclaimed, he hit a low point in 2023 when the Oakland Athletics released him following spring training. However, this setback served as a crucial wake-up call, prompting him to reevaluate his approach both on and off the field.
“I think I hit a real low when I got released by the A’s,” Clement acknowledged. “It was a good chance for me to look in the mirror and see what I needed to do better.” Fortunately, just two days later, the Toronto Blue Jays offered him a fresh opportunity, a chance he embraced wholeheartedly.
Clement, who has previously been part of postseason rosters without seeing any game action—once with the Cleveland Indians in 2020 and more recently with the Blue Jays—feels ready to prove himself on this big stage. Although he didn’t play during those earlier appearances, the experience taught him valuable lessons on the importance of staying true to himself as a player.
Reflecting on his career, Clement stated, “I had to make a lot of changes. I like to think I never took anything for granted, but I didn’t feel like I had taken advantage of the opportunities that I had been given. So, it was a chance for me to reset.”
His recent success can be attributed to a return to his aggressive batting style, which has long been his strength. This season, he boasts a .277 batting average, a remarkable 10.4% strikeout rate—among the best in the league— and career highs in plate appearances and runs scored. Clement emphasizes the significance of his performance in key areas such as defense and contact hitting, which align perfectly with the Blue Jays’ strategic focus.
Clement is also grateful for the positive environment at the Blue Jays organization. He appreciates the camaraderie among the players and the commitment to bringing in individuals who foster a supportive atmosphere. “It’s just the people here,” Clement beamed. “I have yet to meet a bad person since I’ve been here. Just a lot of really solid individuals and people I love being around.”
As he gears up for the playoff action ahead, Clement’s story exemplifies resilience and determination. His journey has not only shaped him as a player but as a person, making this moment all the more gratifying. With the postseason now at his doorstep, there’s an air of excitement surrounding Clement, and fans can look forward to witnessing how this determined athlete will impact the field come Saturday.