Toast of Canada joins stacked USA roster for '26 Classic
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Fresh off a record-setting playoff performance for the Blue Jays, infielder Ernie Clement is joining Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
USA Baseball made the announcement on social media on Tuesday. The Rochester, N.Y., native will be making his World Baseball Classic debut.
Clement played a big role during the Blue Jays’ run to a World Series berth in 2025, collecting 30 hits -- an MLB record for a single postseason. Hitting safely in 16 of his 18 games, Clement finished the postseason with a .411 average, one homer, six doubles, nine RBIs, 13 runs scored and a .977 OPS.
The 29-year-old, who signed with Toronto in 2023 after being released by the Athletics, has emerged as a valuable contributor for the club over the past two years. He has produced 7.7 WAR (per Baseball-Reference) in that time, playing strong defense at multiple infield positions and batting .271/.301/.402.
With Bo Bichette a free agent and Andrés Giménez expected to shift from second base to shortstop, Clement is currently lined up to be Toronto’s starting second baseman in 2026.
Team USA will begin its WBC run in Pool B play at 8 p.m. ET on March 6, when it will face Brazil inside Houston’s Daikin Park.