Blue Jays' Defensive Duo Poised for Impact

Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez form a formidable middle infield tandem for Toronto

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:22pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays are set to field a top-notch defensive middle infield duo this season with Andres Gimenez at shortstop and Ernie Clement at second base. Gimenez, a three-time Gold Glove winner, is projected to provide elite-level defense, while Clement has emerged as a high-caliber defender with the potential to build on his strong 2025 campaign.

Why it matters

The Blue Jays' defensive improvements in the middle infield could help offset the loss of Bo Bichette to free agency and provide a strong foundation for the team's pitching staff. Gimenez and Clement are expected to be one of the top defensive middle infield tandems in Major League Baseball.

The details

Clement, who has played multiple infield positions, will now be the primary second baseman, allowing Gimenez to slide over to shortstop. Clement was a Gold Glove finalist in 2024 and 2025, and he led the majors in 2025 with 2.9 defensive WAR and 22 Defensive Runs Saved. Gimenez, meanwhile, is a three-time Gold Glove winner at second base and led the majors in 2024 with 21 Outs Above Average.

  • Clement was a Gold Glove finalist in 2024 and 2025.
  • Gimenez won the Gold Glove award at second base in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
  • Gimenez led the majors in 2024 with 21 Outs Above Average.

The players

Ernie Clement

A utility infielder for the Blue Jays who is expected to be the team's primary second baseman this season, Clement has emerged as a high-caliber defender with the potential to build on his strong 2025 campaign.

Andres Gimenez

A three-time Gold Glove winner at second base, Gimenez is projected to provide elite-level defense at shortstop for the Blue Jays this season after the team lost Bo Bichette to free agency.

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What they’re saying

“Gimenez knows he has to do better.”

— Mike Wilner, Toronto Star reporter

What’s next

If Gimenez can remain healthy and improve his batting average to .250 while stealing 20 or more bases, his bat would become more elite and help the Blue Jays' offense.

The takeaway

The Blue Jays' new defensive middle infield duo of Ernie Clement and Andres Gimenez is poised to be one of the best in baseball, providing a strong foundation for the team's pitching staff and helping to offset the loss of Bo Bichette.