Ernie Clement is a 28-year-old (turns 29 in March), right-handed hitting infielder. He was a fourth-round draft pick in 2017 by Cleveland.
The Jays picked him up before the 2023 season as a free agent, after he was released by the A’s, because we were only waist-deep` in middle infield types back then. We are up to our armpits in them now.
He spent most of 2023 in Buffalo, but hit .380/.385/.500 in 30 games with the Jays.
He’s now had four seasons in the MLB, but 2024 was his first full season, playing 139 games (fully half his MLB total).
2024 was his best season in the majors, hitting .263/.284/.408 with 12 home runs, 11 walks and 41 strikeouts for a 3.4 bWAR (bringing his career total to 3.7). If he would take a walk more than once every two weeks, he’d be a pretty valuable player. The 2.4% walk rate really cuts into his value. He is a contact hitter, striking out just 9.1% of the time last year.
I expected a bit more power, but it was a good season.
His defense was very good at third and short, and he played a few innings at second and left field (as well as an inning on the mound, throwing a knuckleball). He was a ‘finalist’ for the Gold Glove at third, meaning he was top three in voting. His Outs Above Average was +3 at the position.
I have been curious about the team’s search for a third baseman this off-season. A 3.4 bWAR (third among batters, behind only Vlad and Varsho) is pretty decent. He would be a pretty valuable utility man, but I want to see if he can put together another season like that and spend my time/money on a left-fielder. Especially considering the premium the team puts on Gold Glove-type defenders.
Steamer figures him to play in 89 games, 358 PA with a .269/.308/.407 line and 8 home runs.