Ernie Clement wins Blue Jays’ 2026 Heart and Hustle Award

In the midst of a career-best year at the plate, Clement currently has career highs in batting average (.287) and slugging percentage (.415) while adding nine home runs and 38 RBIs, earning his first all-star appearance.

The Rochester, N.Y., native also has a penchant for running out plays on the bases, pushing through injuries, and making the extra effort on defensive plays.

He most recently made a game-saving play against the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, leaping to catch a soft liner to centre that otherwise would have been a walk-off base hit.

After six years in the minors and another three bouncing up and down between affiliated ball and MLB, he received his first full-time playing opportunity with the Blue Jays in 2024 at age 28 and ran with it.

Toronto acquired Clement after he was released by the then Oakland Athletics — the last-placed team in the American League at the time — and signed him to a minor league contract ahead of the 2023 season.

He didn’t break through right away, spending the majority of the year with the triple-A Buffalo Bisons, but posted a .348/.401/.544 slash line in the minors to go along with 11 homers and 58 RBIs, and hit for a .380 average and .885 OPS in his brief time with the Blue Jays that season.

But it wasn’t until 2025 that Clement truly made a name for himself, playing through a fractured finger and stitches in his shin as he helped the Blue Jays make the World Series with an MLB-record 30 hits in the post-season.

His 22 defensive runs saved in 2025 also tied for the MLB lead with Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan. He was a Gold Glove finalist at both third base and as a utility player, but ultimately didn’t win either award.

Clement currently has two years of arbitration eligibility remaining and isn’t due to hit free agency until the 2029 season.