Ernie Clement discusses Toronto Blue Jays without Bo Bichette in interview
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Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement opens up about life without Bo Bichette in interview on the JD Bunkis Podcast
Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement is beginning to adjust to a new reality as the club prepares to move forward without longtime shortstop Bo Bichette.
Bichette, who delivered a pivotal three-run home run in Game 7 of the World Series, reportedly signed with the New York Mets last week, ending a seven-season run in Toronto.
His departure has left a noticeable void among his former teammates.
Speaking on the JD Bunkis Podcast, Clement admitted that life without Bichette will take some getting used to.
«I'm really happy for him. He deserves every penny he gets,» Clement said. «He's a heck of a player, an awesome dude, and a really good friend of mine. It sucks seeing him go. It's going to be really weird not having Bo Bichette in the Blue Jays locker room.»
Clement was part of a close-knit Blue Jays roster that recently reached the World Series.
He said several teammates, including himself, traveled to attend Bichette's wedding and have stayed connected through a fantasy football league - one Bichette ultimately won.
(Pitcher Kevin Gausman finished last, with his punishment still undecided, according to Clement.)
Clement also noted that Bichette remained fully focused on winning a championship despite his impending free agency.
«He knew he had decisions to make after the season,» Clement said, «but he was completely engulfed in trying to win the World Series.»
Recreating the 2025 season chemistry will be very difficult to replicate
Looking ahead, Clement acknowledged that recreating last season's chemistry may be difficult, especially with Bichette gone and free agents like Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt still available. «That chemistry is going to be impossible to replicate,» Clement said.
Bichette's exit is expected to reshape the Blue Jays' infield. Andrés Giménez is likely to move to shortstop, while newly signed Kazuma Okamoto appears set for third base.
That would place Clement at second base, just one year after earning a Gold Glove nomination at third. Clement said versatility remains one of his strengths.
«Wherever I'm playing, I trust my instincts,» he said. «Short, third, second - I'm ready to roll. Whatever they need me to do, I'm good.»
Despite the changes, Clement said the team's goal remains unchanged. «We're hungry to get back to the World Series and start winning ball games again,» he said.
Since the Game 7 loss, Clement has remained active in both Toronto and his hometown of Rochester, N.Y., attending sporting events and spending time on the golf course while preparing for the upcoming season.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 20|163 ANSWERS Ernie Clement discusses Toronto Blue Jays without Bo Bichette in interview Do you agree with Ernie Clement? Will it will be weird without Bo Bichette playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 124 | 76.1 % |
| No | 39 | 23.9 % |
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