Blue Jays Have Made a Big Mistake

Answering questions from readers on Monday, Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors highlighted the risk Toronto is taking by relying on a middle infield of Andres Gimenez and Ernie Clement.

"From a defensive standpoint, not at all,"  Polishuk began when asked if this is a concern. "From a hitting standpoint, definitely. Clement’s great playoff run (and even Gimenez’s multiple clutch hits in October) shouldn’t overshadow their subpar offensive numbers during the season. Davis Schneider will be chipping in at 2B as well, but the Jays are really rolling the dice here on their middle infield plan."

MLB also predicts Gimenez and Clement to be Toronto's Opening Day middle infield duo.

While Clement emerged as a postseason hero this past October, setting an MLB record for hits in a single playoff run (30), his five years at the big league level provide a much greater sample size. With a career 87 OPS+, Clement has rated above league average offensively just once in his career. That came in 2023 when he appeared in 29 games for Toronto and posted an .885 OPS in 52 plate appearances.

As a versatile platoon bat, Clement is one of the best in MLB. He had a .900 OPS against left-handed pitching last season and plays good defense at all four infield spots. But making him the everyday replacement for Bichette, who trailed only Aaron Judge for the batting title last season, is a mistake.

This mistake is exacerbated by Clement's middle-infield partner being one of the worst offensive players in baseball. With three Gold Gloves and a Platinum Glove, Andres Gimenez is the best defensive second baseman MLB has and may be the best all-around defender in the league. But his .598 OPS last season would have ranked third-worst among qualified players.

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about the 2026 Blue Jays, but their inability to replace Bichette's production this offseason is placing a lot of pressure Clement and Gimenez.