A few players quietly work their way into the spotlight during every MLB season, and this year, Ernie Clement is one of those unsung heroes. The Toronto Blue Jays infielder has established himself as one of baseball’s most dependable role players thanks to his adaptability, keen intuition, and unwavering work ethic. However, Clement’s journey to the major leagues wasn’t a straight line; rather, it was a gradual ascent supported by perseverance, modesty, and an unwavering faith in hard work.

Who is Ernie Clement?

Born in Rochester, New York, on March 22, 1996, Ernie James Clement was raised in a sports-loving family, which influenced his competitive spirit. Clement, who stands six feet tall and weighs about 160 pounds, started his career at Brighton High School, where he excelled in hockey and soccer in addition to dominating baseball. He was named to the All-New York State Team three times and won the Rochester City Athletic Conference Player of the Year award in both his junior and senior seasons for his all-around athleticism.

After high school, Clement took his talents to the University of Virginia, where he became one of the program’s most consistent hitters. Across his college career, he registered 745 at-bats, ranking 11th in school history, and struck out just 31 times, showcasing an exceptional contact rate. His grit and discipline made him one of the toughest players to strike out in college baseball.

Clement helped Virginia win a national championship in the 2015 College World Series by putting up clutch performances that earned him a spot on the All-College World Series Team.

Clement’s ascent continued in 2016, as he led the Cavaliers with 92 hits and 62 runs while playing second base and earning Third-Team All-ACC honors. He hit .351 with exceptional plate discipline, earning him the nickname “toughest out in the ACC.” He was recognized as the Cape Cod Baseball League MVP, one of the most coveted awards for amateur athletes, for his consistency during summer ball.

Clement capped off his collegiate career in 2017 with another standout season before being selected by the Cleveland Indians in the fourth round (132nd overall) of the 2017 MLB Draft. It marked the beginning of his professional journey, one built not on flash but on pure dependability.

Ernie Clement’s Net Worth, Contract, and Salary

Ernie Clement’s road to financial stability in the majors mirrors his steady progression on the field—earned through patience and persistence. Since being drafted in 2017, Clement has steadily climbed through MLB’s salary tiers. After signing his rookie deal with a $350,000 signing bonus, he spent his first few seasons developing in the minors before making his MLB debut on June 13, 2021.

Clement’s contracts have followed a natural progression through pre-arbitration and arbitration years. His 2025 deal saw him earn $1.97 million, while his 2026 arbitration contract jumped to $3.5 million, signaling Toronto’s confidence in his role as a versatile infield presence. Over his career, he has accumulated total MLB earnings of approximately $7 million, with an estimated net worth of around $2 million as of 2025.

Clement’s reliability, which teams pay for when adding depth, adds to his financial worth in addition to his salary. He is a mainstay on the Blue Jays’ roster because of his versatility, playing second base, third base, and even shortstop. If Clement’s upward trend continues, he will be eligible for an even bigger payout when free agency is anticipated in 2029.

Who Are Ernie Clement’s Parents?

Clement’s story has always revolved around family. Peter and Julie Clement, both of whom were successful athletes, were his parents. His mother, Julie, was a standout soccer player at Babson College, and his father, Peter, was a rugby player at St. Lawrence University. His sisters, Glennie and Ellie, have both participated in athletics, and his cousin, Abby Clement, was a track star at the University of Virginia.

Clement was taught discipline at a young age because he grew up in such an athletic environment. Regardless of his accomplishments, his parents made sure he remained grounded by emphasizing both academics and sportsmanship. In interviews, Clement frequently attributes his perspective on humility and competition to the values of his family. His professional demeanor—calm, self-assured, and quietly focused—is a direct result of those lessons.

From high school competitions in upstate New York to his college years in Virginia and now his developing MLB career, the Clement family has consistently supported Ernie along the way. His major league debut, which seemed to be the result of years of mutual sacrifice and dedication, was a moment of great pride for them.

Does Ernie Clement Have a Girlfriend?

As of 2025, Ernie Clement has kept his personal life extremely private, with no confirmed reports of a girlfriend or relationship. The infielder maintains a relatively low profile off the field, focusing primarily on baseball and training. Unlike many modern athletes, Clement doesn’t share much on social media, preferring to let his work speak for itself. His focus and quiet confidence have become part of his identity, earning him respect from teammates and fans alike.

While his personal life remains out of the public eye, Clement’s discipline and composure continue to set him apart in a sport where attention and pressure often go hand in hand.

Ernie Clement’s Career Highlights

Ernie Clement’s baseball career is a blueprint of steady growth and dedication. After his collegiate success at Virginia, he entered professional baseball with Cleveland and made his MLB debut in 2021. Though his early years were spent adjusting to the league, his adaptability soon made him a valuable utility player. By 2025, Clement had carved out a regular spot in Toronto’s lineup, playing across the infield and posting one of his most complete offensive seasons.

In 2025, Clement appeared in 145 games, recording 151 hits, nine home runs, 50 RBIs, and a .277 batting average, establishing himself as a dependable bat and glove for the Blue Jays. His postseason numbers were even more impressive—going 9-for-14 with a .643 average, one home run, and five RBIs, a clutch performance that underscored his reliability under pressure.

Defensively, Clement’s versatility has been his calling card. Over his career, he has played at first, second, third, and shortstop, seamlessly adapting to team needs. That flexibility, combined with his contact hitting and leadership presence, has solidified his role as one of the Blue Jays’ most dependable contributors.

Clement’s style isn’t built on power but precision. His ability to put the ball in play, avoid strikeouts, and make smart defensive reads has made him invaluable in a league often dominated by analytics and power numbers. For Toronto fans, he represents the kind of player every contender needs—the quiet constant who delivers night after night.

Conclusion

Ernie Clement’s story is a testament to what persistence and consistency can achieve in professional sports. From Brighton High to the big leagues, he’s earned every opportunity through hard work and humility. His journey hasn’t been about instant stardom but about building a career brick by brick—earning respect from coaches, teammates, and fans along the way.

With an estimated net worth of $2 million, a $3.5 million contract, and a reputation as one of MLB’s most dependable infielders, Clement’s trajectory remains upward. His career embodies everything that defines the modern professional athlete—resilience, adaptability, and quiet excellence. And as the Toronto Blue Jays continue to chase postseason glory, Ernie Clement will be right in the middle of it, doing what he’s always done—showing up, performing, and proving that steady work always pays off.