Blue Jays Facing Ernie Clement Decision After Trade News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 2:56 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays enter Wednesday sitting three games under .500 with a 35-38 record. It has not been the season fans were hoping for after last year's run to the World Series.

However, it is clear the Blue Jays are focused on winning, and at this year's trade deadline the team will be looking to add talent around its superstars.

One of those players could end up being San Francisco Giants second baseman Luis Arraez, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan, who named Toronto as an ideal fit for Arraez's services.

Passan also added that he believes Arraez has a 90% chance of being traded, making it a real possibility. The 29-year-old three-time All-Star is having an excellent year.

Across 69 games, Arraez has posted a .319 batting average, .352 on-base percentage, .787 OPS, two home runs and 26 RBIs. He fits perfectly into Toronto's hitting philosophy, as the team has prioritized making contact and limiting strikeouts.

However, there is one problem with adding Arraez. It would force Ernie Clement to move off second base, which he can do given his versatility. Still, the Blue Jays would then face a decision on where to play him, as his bat has to be in the lineup every day.

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22) © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Clement is well on his way toward earning his first career All-Star selection, and for good reason. Across 72 games, he has posted a .299 batting average, .318 on-base percentage, .770 OPS, seven home runs and 28 RBIs.

He leads the American League with 20 doubles and has continued to grade out as an above-average defender at second base.

The Blue Jays would not be able to move Arraez to first base given Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has that spot locked up. The likely option would be having Clement play both shortstop and third base occasionally, with Arraez or Okamoto sliding into the designated hitter role some days while Clement handles the defensive responsibilities.

It is a puzzle worth solving, though, because if Toronto can figure out the roster construction, adding a three-time batting champion to an already contact-oriented lineup could be exactly the kind of move that turns this season around.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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