Blue Jays 2024 Player Review: Ernie Clement impressed during his first full MLB season

Originally posted on Bluejaysnation | By Ryley Delaney | Last updated 10/17/24

From a minor league signing to a useful utility piece, Ernie Clement has earned a spot on the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 roster.

Clement signed with the Blue Jays before the start of the 2023 season and in his six seasons prior, he hit a grand total of 11 professional home runs in 1,652 plate appearances. After 330 plate appearances in the Jays organization Clement surpassed his career total with 12 home runs.

Earning a spot on the 2024 roster, it begs the question: How Clement did Clement perform in his first full season as a Major Leaguer? Let’s find out!

Ernie Clement in 2024…

Plate Appearances: 452

Batting Average: .263

On-Base Percentage: .284

Slugging Percentage: .408

Home Runs: 12

Strikeouts: 41

Walks: 11

Fangraphs WAR: 2.2

Salary: $757,700

For the second consecutive season, Clement hit 12 home runs, all in the big leagues. While his slash line of .263/.284/.408 left a little bit to be desired, he also managed to hit 21 doubles, tied for second-most alongside Daulton Varsho.

At one point in the season, it looked as if he was a platoon bat, having more success against left-handed pitchers than right-handed pitchers. However, Clement finished the season slashing .279/.301/.425 with nine home runs against righties in 307 plate appearances. On the flip side, the 28-year-old slashed .230/.252/.374 with three home runs in 145 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers.

This pitch was at Ernie Clement's eyes.

He hit it 380 feet for a HR. pic.twitter.com/0QJud9z18y

— MLB (@MLB) August 22, 2024

While Clement wasn’t a superstar with the bat by any means – he also only walked 2.4% of the time, he’s allergic to walks – Clement provided a ton of value with the glove. On Tuesday morning, he was announced as a nominee for the American League Gold Glove at third base. Overall, his 10 Defensive Runs Saved in 661 innings at third base ranked first in the American League and tied for second in all of MLB, behind Matt Chapman’s 17 DRS. Go figure.

The 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists – AL Third Base – Ernie Clement, José Ramírez, Alex Bregman#RawlingsGoldGloveAwards pic.twitter.com/msuRTvTwnB

— Rawlings Baseball (@RawlingsSports) October 15, 2024

However, Clement was also a terrific defender at shortstop, registering 6 DRS and 4 Outs Above Average in only 314.1 innings at the position. His DRS ranked tied for 10th in baseball and fifth in the American League. In fact, he was tied with the New York Yankees’ Anthony Volpe, a finalist for the Gold Glove at the position (albeit, with 15 OAA).

Clement is expected to make $1.7 million in MLB Trade Rumors’ latest arbitration projection. With great defence on the left side of the infield mixed with a power surge and the ability to avoid striking out, Clement could be a useful bench option for the Jays next season if they want to contend.