Ernie Clement Reveals Reason Behind Yankees Decision

Blue Jay's second baseman Ernie Clement revealed how he almost become a New York Yankee in an article by Shi Davidi of Sportsnet on Tuesday.

by Xavier Constantino

Jul 14, 2026

Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (22)

Ernie Clement's path to the Toronto Blue Jays almost ran through the Bronx instead, according to Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi in a recent article.

Over three years ago, on March 12, 2023, the Athletics claimed Clement off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians the previous September. Soon after, calls were already being made to Clement's agent, Steve Skrinar, with the two leading contenders being Toronto and the New York Yankees.

Growing up in Rochester, New York, Clement was a Yankees fan, and the team offered him a good deal, according to Skrinar. However, the Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate being close to his hometown and an easier route to the majors were all it took for him to decide on Toronto just a couple of days later, on March 14.

“The opportunity in Triple-A to play four or five games a week and be close to home, for me, that was really all that I cared about. That's what they promised,” said Clement.

While Clement took a smaller offer from the Blue Jays, he was able to work in the minors and build his way up to the big leagues, a bet that paid off.

"The failures that I've had have helped me learn and grow and also have helped me not be afraid to fail," said Clement. "When I go out there and play, I'm not worried about making an error or striking out I've done that enough."

After signing a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, he hit .328 with five home runs in 35 games before Toronto called him up in May.

Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Ernie Clement (22)

"If you love the game enough, you'll never give up on your dreams and you'll always believe in yourself," Clement said.

The 30-year-old is now an All-Star for the first time in his career after receiving the most votes out of any American League player. The Toronto second baseman enters Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game batting .296 with eight home runs and 32 RBIs in 93 games this season, starting at second base and batting ninth in the lineup for the AL.

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