The Toronto Blue Jays are making significant moves as they approach the 2026 arbitration period. Recently, reports indicate that outfielder Ernie Clement has finalized a $4.6 million agreement with the team. This deal comes alongside another successful arbitration settlement with Daulton Varsho, who secured $10.75 million for the upcoming season.
Ernie Clement’s Performance and Contract Details
Ernie Clement, 29 years old, had an impressive season in 2025, participating in 157 games. He achieved a 4.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), batting .277. Throughout the season, he recorded:
- 151 hits
- Nine home runs
- 50 runs batted in (RBIs)
- OPS of .711
Clement played a crucial role in the Blue Jays’ postseason journey, where he excelled in 18 games. He posted a remarkable batting average of .416, setting a major-league record with 30 hits. During the playoffs, his statistics included:
- One home run
- Nine RBIs
- OPS of .977
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft from Virginia, Clement debuted with the Cleveland Guardians in 2021. After being waived by Cleveland in September 2022, he spent some time with the Oakland Athletics before signing with the Blue Jays in early 2023. He will remain under team control until 2028.
Daulton Varsho’s Arbitration Settlement
Daulton Varsho, also 29, avoided arbitration with the Blue Jays, securing a $10.75 million contract. Despite battling injuries that limited him to just 71 games in 2025, Varsho made an impact with a .238 batting average and 58 hits. His season stats include:
- 20 home runs
- 55 RBIs
- OPS of .833
In the postseason, Varsho contributed with a .227 batting average over 18 games, accumulating:
- 17 hits
- Three home runs
- 10 RBIs
- OPS of .667
Varsho began his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was traded to the Blue Jays before the 2023 season in exchange for Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Gabriel Moreno. He is set to become a free agent next offseason.
Overall, these agreements reflect the Blue Jays’ commitment to retaining key players as they prepare for the upcoming season and continue to build toward future success.
