Toronto Blue Jays' Ernie Clement proving 2025 was no fluke, leads MLB in doubles following win over Guardians

There was plenty to like in the Toronto Blue Jays’ 4–2 win over the Cleveland Guardians, but Ernie Clement’s contributions deserve special attention.

Once again, he delivered on both sides of the ball, continuing a trend that often goes overlooked.

As of Sunday, Clement recorded his MLB-leading 13th double against his former team. (at the time this article was written)

His 36 hits rank third in the league, a strong indication that his postseason success has carried seamlessly into the 2026 campaign.

Over his last 10 games, Clement has been especially productive, hitting .381 with a .952 OPS.

In many ways, it feels like he never left postseason form.

In 2025, he posted an impressive combination of 21 Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), 15 Outs Above Average (OAA), and 10 Fielding Run Value (FRV) across 1,196.1 innings split between second base, third base, and shortstop—primarily at third.

His performance earned him Gold Glove nominations at two different positions.

This season, Clement’s role has shifted. With the team’s new-look lineup, he’s been playing more regularly up the middle, primarily at second base.

Despite the positional change, his defensive impact remains solid.

So far in 2026, he has recorded 2 DRS and -1 OAA. While those metrics may seem inconsistent, they often stabilize over time—especially for a player with Clement’s defensive track record.

It’s also worth noting that second base typically presents fewer challenges than third base or shortstop.

His 2 DRS currently ties him for sixth among all second basemen, reinforcing his continued value in the field.

If Clement maintains this level of play defensively, he should once again find himself firmly in the Gold Glove conversation.

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