Toronto Blue Jays’ Ernie Clement Shines in Upset Over Yankees
In a surprising turn of events, the Toronto Blue Jays defeated the New York Yankees in the 2025 MLB postseason, showcasing an impressive performance led by former Cleveland Guardians player Ernie Clement. Over the four-game series, Clement’s remarkable batting saw him achieve a .643 batting average, going 9-for-14 at the plate, which included one double and one home run, contributing five runs batted in (RBI).
Clement’s performance formed part of a remarkable offensive display by the Blue Jays, who scored a total of 34 runs throughout the series. The team secured a 3-1 series victory, losing only one game, 9-6. Notably, Clement’s discipline at the plate was evident as he did not strike out nor draw a walk during the series, a statistic that surprised many given his earlier struggles in his career.
Clement’s journey to this success has been anything but straightforward. Originally drafted in the fourth round by the Cleveland Indians in the 2017 MLB June Amateur Draft, he faced significant challenges during his tenure with the Guardians. In two seasons with the team, he participated in 103 games, recording a disappointing slashing line of .214/.273/.274, resulting in an OPS of .548—one of the lowest among his teammates at the time.
The turning point came in September 2022 when he was designated for assignment by Cleveland. Shortly thereafter, he was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics, only to be released in March 2023. Clement signed a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, a move that many viewed as a last chance to revive his career.
Since joining Toronto, Clement has demonstrated his versatility, excelling not only in hitting but also in base running and defense. His performance against the Yankees has led to significant praise from Blue Jays manager John Schneider, who noted, “Ernie is not scared of any situation… I think he’s pretty confident right now. When you get into the postseason and the stakes are a little bit higher, guys like that tend to rise to the occasion.”
The Blue Jays’ success in the postseason is further complemented by their acquisition of Shane Bieber, a starting pitcher who was also traded from the Guardians earlier in the season. As Toronto continues to pursue a championship, the Guardians reflect on their early exit from the playoffs, having lost to the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card round.
Cleveland’s decision to let go of Clement now carries a bittersweet sentiment. While the team may not have anticipated his resurgence, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the potential futures that can unfold when players are given a second chance. As Clement thrives with the Blue Jays, the Guardians will be left to ponder what could have been had he remained a part of their roster.
