Ernie Clement's aggressive approach has made him an elite hitter

Toronto Blue Jays pinch hitter Ernie Clement. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Ernie Clement's aggressive approach has made him an elite hitter

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 10:12 PM ET

Ernie Clement's offensive trajectory has continued in 2026 following a 2025 breakout campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays. Most notably, he's staying the course after his .411 batting average in the postseason, where he collected 30 hits.

Entering Monday this season, he leads MLB with 19 doubles, coming off a career-high 35 doubles in 2025, which was a significant boost from his 21 in 2024.

The 30-year-old is batting an even .300 with five home runs, 22 RBI, 68 hits and a .771 OPS across his first 59 games this season. His 68 hits have him tied for fourth in MLB alongside Bobby Witt Jr. and Riley Greene.

A compelling factor stemming from his success at the plate this season has been his ability to generate hits from pitches out of the strike zone. He owns an O-Swing% (Outside-the-zone Swing Percentage) of 44.9%.

Clement leads MLB with the most hits on out-of-zone pitches (25). His hustle at the plate has established him as one of the most unique yet elite contact hitters in MLB.

Most hits on out-of-zone pitches in MLB...#BlueJays Ernie Clement: 25
Alec Burleson (STL): 23
Jonathan Aranda (TB): 21
Otto Lopez (MIA): 21
Shohei Ohtani (LAD) 20#BlueJays50
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) June 1, 2026

Analyzing Ernie Clement's aggressive yet unique contact approach

Clement's solid plate discipline has him boasting an impressive 8.1% strikeout rate (99th percentile) while also holding a high chase rate of 44.6% that ranks in the 1st percentile.

When it comes to Clement's high chase rate, what's remarkable is that he's produced a stellar 14.6% whiff rate that ranks in the 93rd percentile.

His aggressive "see ball, hit ball" approach has shown how he can bat the ball on practically any pitch, making him a difficult hitter to retire.

Clement's ability to chase yet produce is what makes him a unique yet elite contact hitter. Famously known for chasing pitches outside of the zone above the league average of 30 %, he has successfully managed to generate reliable contact or foul pitches off instead of taking a ball.

In addition, Clement's aggressive approach has also allowed him to consistently square up pitches (36.2% squared-up rate, 96th percentile) that other hitters end up swinging and missing.

Nevertheless, Clement has demonstrated clutch hitting that has left Blue Jays fans and pitchers baffled by his success. His gutsy and fearless approach showcases how he's a versatile hitter who has become one of the most dangerous hitters in MLB.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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