Ernie Clement Earns Spot on Team USA for 2026 World Baseball Classic

The Toronto Blue Jays infielder's perseverance and breakout 2025 season propel him to represent the United States on the international stage.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Ernie Clement, a versatile infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays, has earned a spot on the 2026 Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic. Clement's path to this achievement has been marked by perseverance, as he overcame being released by the Athletics in 2023 to steadily climb the ranks with the Blue Jays, earning Gold Glove consideration and a breakout 2025 season that saw him set a new MLB record with 30 hits in the postseason.

Why it matters

Clement's selection to Team USA is a testament to his hard work and the pride that comes with representing one's country on the international stage. His story also highlights the Blue Jays' ability to develop talent and the continued growth of baseball's global reach through events like the World Baseball Classic.

The details

After signing with the Blue Jays as a minor-league free agent in 2023, Clement steadily improved, earning Gold Glove consideration in 2024 and 2025. His breakout 2025 season saw him bat .277 with a .711 OPS in 157 games, but it was his record-breaking postseason performance that truly cemented his status. Clement set a new MLB record with 30 hits in 18 games, batting .411 with one home run, six doubles, nine RBIs, and 13 runs scored.

  • Clement was released by the Athletics in March 2023.
  • Clement signed with the Blue Jays as a minor-league free agent in 2023.
  • Clement earned Gold Glove consideration in 2024 and 2025.
  • Clement had a breakout 2025 season, batting .277 with a .711 OPS in 157 games.
  • Clement set a new MLB record with 30 hits in the 2025 postseason.

The players

Ernie Clement

A versatile infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays who has earned a spot on the 2026 Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic.

George Springer

A star player for the Toronto Blue Jays who Clement recognized was more likely to be pitched around than himself during the 2025 postseason.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

A star player for the Toronto Blue Jays who Clement recognized was more likely to be pitched around than himself during the 2025 postseason.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of Team USA, who sought a versatile player like Clement for the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster.

DeMarlo Hale

The associate manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, who recommended Clement to Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.

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What they’re saying

“Watching Jack Hughes secure Olympic gold for the United States fueled my excitement for the World Baseball Classic. There's just a special feeling that comes with representing your country.”

— Ernie Clement (newsy-today.com)

“Ernie is developing plans to counter adjustments opposing pitchers might create, highlighting his adaptability and skill set.”

— David Popkins, Blue Jays hitting coach (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

Team USA begins its WBC run in Pool B play on March 6 against Brazil.

The takeaway

Ernie Clement's selection to Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic is a testament to his perseverance, adaptability, and the continued growth of baseball's global reach. His story highlights the pride and emotion that comes with representing one's country on the international stage.