Toronto Blue Jays could be looking to switch Ernie Clement to first base
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Victor William
Jan 16, 2026 (10:03 PM)
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Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Ernie Clement might be the Toronto Blue Jays' key first base insurance behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in 2026.
A recent report on Thursday framed it as a «quieter storyline,» Clement openly embracing first base reps when the club needs a breather for Guerrero.
It is not flashy, but it is the kind of thing that saves wins in June.
The Jays have built a roster that already squeezes the lineup card, with Anthony Santander and George Springer soaking up plenty of designated hitter days.
Add Kazuma Okamoto to the corner infield mix, and suddenly first base coverage becomes less emergency, more chess move.
Guerrero, 26, still drives the whole operation, and his 2025 regular season line was loud, a .292 average with 23 homers, 84 RBIs, and an .848 OPS.
Clement, 29, hit .277 with 35 doubles, nine homers, and a .711 OPS over 157 games, while bouncing all over the dirt.
Ernie Clement eases Vladimir Guerrero Jr. workload
I can already hear fans saying this is boring roster talk, but boring is how good teams survive.
First base is deceptively demanding, and the footwork around throws matters just as much as the glove.
If Clement commits to it, John Schneider gets a clean off ramp for Guerrero, without turning half the defense upside down.
Clement is not some random bench bat either, he was a fourth round pick in 2017 and plays with a real edge.
When a player like that says «move me anywhere,» it changes how a manager handles day-to-day wear.
After the Blue Jays lost Bo Bichette to the New York Mets this morning, Clement might be one his way to second base permanently to start 2026 as well.
I love the idea of Guerrero staying fresh while the lineup stays intact, because the team's margin in the AL East never feels comfortable.
Also read on Toronto Baseball Insider :
Vladimir Guerrero Jr's break silence on Toronto Blue Jays losing Bo Bichette
Vladimir Guerrero Jr's break silence on Toronto Blue Jays losing Bo Bichette
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 16|656 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays could be looking to switch Ernie Clement to first base Should the Toronto Blue Jays give Ernie Clement real first base reps behind Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? | ||
| Yes do it | 236 | 36 % |
| Only emergencies | 219 | 33.4 % |
| Keep him 3B | 144 | 22 % |
| Trust Ty France | 57 | 8.7 % |
| List of polls | ||