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Wild stat makes Blue Jays' offseason third base search feel meaningless

Ernie Clement has been one of the best at the hot corner this season.
ByBaron Dionis|
Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins
Toronto Blue Jays v Minnesota Twins | Ellen Schmidt/GettyImages

Last offseason, the Blue Jays were linked to several third baseman to fill the void there. Once they missed out on Alex Bregman, hope seemed lost for a big pickup at that position. Now into July, it is safe to say that they made the right decision to roll with Ernie Clement.

Clement is used as a utility guy and the bulk of his innings have come at third base. It has not been some get-you-by playing time either as he is showing he has what it takes to be a player worth extending. In fact, his value this season has been greater than Bregman himself.

Ernie Clement is showing to be one of the most valuable third basemen

As surprising as it may seem to call Clement more valuable than Bregman this season, the stats don't lie. Clement has generated a 2.7 fWAR, leading the entire AL East and the second best in all of baseball among all third baseman. Bregman's is solid too, but behind at 2.4.

The big difference between the two is about $30 million a year and Bregman's contract is full of opt outs. He could very well hit free agency after this season, while Clement will be a Blue Jay for the next two seasons on a cheap deal.

There were other rumors scattered around the offseason regarding Yoan Moncada, but aside from that, there really were not any other third baseman on the market. Toronto reportedly did make a big push for Bregman, but Boston beat them to it.

Now that the Red Sox are behind the the Blue Jays in the divison, it is looking like Ross Atkins really made the right move in the end. Clement has put together a solid offensive season, batting .306 with a 115 wRC+. The bat has been there, along with an outstanding glove, posting seven DRS and a six OAA at third base. He is making a big impact on both sides of the ball and has been a difference maker in putting Toronto one game back of first place.

Thankfully this worked out in the Blue Jays favor as missing out this offseason at third base was risky. Now the search is looking meaningless since Clement is turning into one the best players on the team. Maybe an extension is looming down the road.