Luis Arraez could give the Blue Jays another path at second base after Ross Atkins put Ernie Clement's 2027 starting role back up for competition.

Atkins said Wednesday that Clement will have to earn the job rather than enter camp with second base locked down. Toronto isn't closing the door on him, but the message leaves room for a winter addition.

Atkins also described Clement as capable of being an impactful everyday player or a 500-at-bat contributor who moves in and out of the lineup.

That distinction matters. The Blue Jays can keep Clement involved while still pursuing a more established second baseman in free agency.

Arraez would bring a very different profile. The 29-year-old is a four-time All-Star and three-time batting champion who finished 2026 with a .310 average.

One rival American League executive told FanSided that Arraez could command a five-year, $100 million contract, putting his projected annual salary at $20 million.

Luis Arraez gives Toronto a clear alternative

Arraez's case goes beyond batting average. He produced a 4.1 fWAR season and has appeared in at least 144 games in five straight years, giving clubs a dependable everyday option.

His defensive value also improved in 2026, making second base a more realistic long-term home. Arraez said in July that he wants to play only second base.

That could make Toronto's decision especially interesting. Signing Arraez would likely force Clement into a flexible role rather than leaving him penciled into one position every day.

Sportsnet's Nick Ashbourne pointed to the tension in the fit. Toronto already leaned heavily on contact hitting last season, and Arraez takes that approach to its most extreme level.

Still, Arraez has remained an above-average hitter by wRC+ every season of his career. His durability and bat-to-ball skill would give the Blue Jays certainty at a spot Atkins has now publicly opened to competition.

Ketel Marte carries more complications as a trade possibility. He hit .249 with 22 home runs, 76 RBIs and a .748 OPS across 141 games in 2026.

Marte also turns 33 on October 12, and acquiring him would require Toronto to surrender trade value rather than simply spend in free agency.

That makes Arraez the cleaner winter route if the Blue Jays decide Clement is better suited to a high-volume utility role than an automatic spot on the lineup card.