The 2026 World Baseball Classic has started with fireworks for Team USA, and one Toronto Blue Jays player is quietly proving he could play a bigger role in the upcoming MLB season.
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States second baseman Ernie Clement (5) catches Great Britain third baseman Nate Eaton (18) stealing second base during the sixth inning at Daikin Park. | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Through the first two games of the tournament, the United States has dominated opponents, outscoring them 24–6 while showcasing one of the most talented rosters the country has assembled in years. Among the contributors is Blue Jays utility standout Ernie Clement, who continues to build momentum after his historic postseason run in 2025.
Clement contributes in Team USA victory
United States designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) congratulates second baseman Ernie Clement (5) after scoring a run against Great Britain during the fifth inning of Game 2 of the WBC | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
In Team USA’s second game against Great Britain, the Americans exploded offensively during a decisive fifth inning that fueled a 9–0 victory.
Clement played a major role in the win, scoring three runs while also adding a single, a walk, and a stolen base. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways highlighted exactly why he remains such a valuable player.
Currently serving as Team USA’s second baseman, Clement has once again shown the versatility that makes him unique. With the Blue Jays, he regularly rotates around the infield and occasionally shifts into the outfield when needed.
Team USA improved to 2–0 in the tournament and will next face Team Mexico, led by reigning National League Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.
Building on a historic postseason
Clement’s strong WBC performance comes after an unforgettable stretch during Toronto’s 2025 playoff run.
During the postseason, the utility man delivered one of the most productive October performances in MLB history, finishing the playoffs with several record-setting marks:
- Most multi-hit games in a single postseason (10)
- Most hits in a single postseason (30)
- Most singles in a single postseason (21)
In the final game of that playoff run, Clement went 3-for-5, capping off a performance that placed him firmly among the most impactful hitters of the entire postseason.
A career resurgence in Toronto
Now approaching his 30th birthday, Clement appears to have found the perfect fit with the Blue Jays.
Before arriving in Toronto, he spent time with both the Cleveland Guardians and the Oakland Athletics without ever fully establishing himself as a long-term contributor. With the Blue Jays, however, his versatility and timely hitting have become essential parts of the roster.
His strong play has continued into spring training, where Clement has been red-hot at the plate.
Through five games this spring, he is hitting .500 with an OPS above 1.300 and a slugging percentage of .800, suggesting he could carry his postseason momentum into the 2026 campaign.
An under-the-radar player to watch
Despite his recent accomplishments, Clement is still often viewed as an underdog compared to some of the sport’s bigger stars.
But if his recent performances are any indication, that perception may not last much longer.
His ability to contribute offensively, steal bases, and play multiple positions makes him one of the most versatile players in the game. If he continues producing at this level, Clement could become one of the most valuable pieces of Toronto’s lineup.
For now, he’s helping Team USA dominate the World Baseball Classic.
And when the MLB season begins later this month, the Blue Jays will be hoping Clement brings the same spark back to Toronto.
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