Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Drops Surprising Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Replacement Update

The Toronto Blue Jays enjoyed strong contributions from up and down the roster during their Cinderella postseason run all the way to Game 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.

Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage emerged as a bona fide ace, shortstop Bo Bichette returned from injury to hit a clutch home run and outfielder Addison Barger logged some heroic assists from the outfield. But perhaps no other player stepped up in the playoffs as dramatically as Ernie Clement, who set a single-postseason record with 30 total hits.

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Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Emerged As Key Contributor

Though he seemed to find a new level in the playoffs, Clement was a solid contributor for the Blue Jays all year as a key utility option. He made starts around the diamond throughout the season and earned praise from the team’s manager as a critical contributor.

“Ernie had a phenomenal year,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said after the season, per MLB.com’s Manny Randhawa. “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.”

Clement primarily served as a third baseman and second baseman for the Blue Jays, with more than a dozen games started at shortstop as well. When asked about his versatile role for the team in a recent interview on MLB Network, he explained that it’s his preference to change positions.

“I love it, I love it, I love bouncing around,” Clement said. “It helps other guys get in the lineup, it helps the manager play the hot hand because guys are going to go through the ups and downs of the season.”

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Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Wants To Replace Vladimir Guerrero Jr. At First Base More Often

And, during that interview, Clement noted that he hopes to replace franchise slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base more often next season despite only playing the position a handful of times last year.

“I love playing second, I love playing short, I love playing third,” Clement added. “And I’ve learned a little bit of first base in this past season. Vladdy needs a rest every once in a while and I’m happy to slide in there if need be.”

With Anthony Santander and George Springer set to take up most of the designated hitter reps and Kazuma Okamoto joining the team as another corner infield option, Clement might not see very much time at first base. But it seems like if it were up to him, he’d get a chance to replace his superstar teammate at the position more often.