
The Toronto Blue Jays have had a busy offseason following their World Series loss in early November to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite the heartbreaking end, the season was still a success, as the team battled all the way to Game 7 of the Fall Classic.
Many faces emerged as heroes in the postseason, including first basemanVladimir Guerrero Jr., but one unexpected standout was infielder Ernie Clement.
The 29-year-old veteran was a steady, average hitter during the regular season, posting a .277 batting average, .313 on-base percentage, .711 OPS, nine home runs and 50 RBIs across 157 games.
In October, however, Clement elevated his game to historic levels. He collected 30 hits in the playoffs, the most ever by a player in MLB history, and became a driving force behind Toronto’s run to the World Series. His breakout performance was a major reason the Blue Jays reached the final stage.
As Clement enters the offseason looking to contribute again for Toronto in 2026, he was recognized for his efforts off the baseball field. The Toronto Baseball Writers’ Association announced that Clement had been named the recipient of the 2025 John Cerutti Award.
The honor is prestigious because it is presented annually by the Toronto BBWAA to a person associated with the Blue Jays who exemplifies “goodwill, cooperation and positive character” (h/t Keegan Matheson of MLB.com).
The Toronto BBWAA has named Ernie Clement the 2025 John Cerutti Award recipient "for displaying goodwill, cooperation, and character"
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) December 3, 2025
The Clement that Canadian baseball fans love is the same person we deal with professionally, always respectful and generous with media. #BlueJays
Beyond his play, Clement has become a fan favorite in Toronto thanks to his approachable personality, work ethic and the energy he brings to the clubhouse. His connection with the fan base only strengthens the impact of this recognition, underscoring how valuable he is to the organization both on and off the field.
Clement’s future in Toronto remains secure, as the team tendered him a contract this offseason to ensure he will return for his fourth year with the Blue Jays. It will also mark his sixth season in MLB, a testament to his perseverance and steady growth as a player.
While his bat drew headlines in October, his defensive ability has long been a strength. Clement was even nominated for a Gold Glove Award this past season, though he ultimately did not win.
With his postseason heroics, defensive reliability and growing leadership presence, Clement is poised to play an even bigger role for the Blue Jays as they look to build on last year’s success in 2026.
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