Ernie Clement is coming off a productive 2025 season, and the veteran fielder, who will be 30 years old on Opening Day, is expected to move around the diamond once again in 2026. The veteran figures to open the season as the Blue Jays’ everyday second baseman, but he has the ability to play in other positions as well. That multi-positional eligibility gives him an extra boost in terms of fantasy upside.
Clement’s numbers in the 2025 season were promising, though. He slashed .277/.313/.398 with nine home runs, 50 RBI and 83 runs scored over 588 plate appearances in the regular season. He was even better in the playoffs, where he hit .411 with nine RBI and 13 runs scored during the Blue Jays’ epic postseason run. Will he be able to translate those numbers into the 2026 regular season, or will he face some degree of regression?
Let’s take a look at what this versatile defender can bring to the table in fantasy baseball ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Fantasy Baseball: Strengths, Weaknesses and 2026 Projection
The first thing we need to analyze about Clement is that his multi-positional value gives him a strong floor as a roster piece. Clement isn’t the best bet to be a regular starter at any position, but since he has eligibility to play several roles, he can be moved around your lineup to fill gaps — just like the Blue Jays do in real life. However, the multi-positional trait doesn’t do much if the player in question is unable to produce at the plate.
On that note, Clement took a step back in 2025 compared to the 2024 season. While his average and peripherals were better, the run-producing numbers weren’t very good. Clement posted better numbers in 2024 than in 2025 in home runs (12 to nine), RBI (51 to 50) and stolen bases (12 to six) despite logging 136 more plate appearances in 2025. He posted a better average (.277 to .263) and scored more runs (83 to 48), but that’s not enough to make him a reliable, valuable fantasy option who could play everyday.
Clement can fill gaps all over your lineup, but if you’re looking for a player who can produce in most categories, then Clement is not your guy. He’s a depth piece who could be useful in any roster, but he’s worth targeting in the later rounds of your draft outside of the very deep formats.
He’s essentially a two-category producer, as he can deliver decent numbers in the batting average and runs scored, but that’s it. Target him accordingly in your drafts, but if you have a well-rounded roster and you’re looking to put the final touches with a player who can fill gaps in several positions, then Clement could be worth a late-round flier.
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