The Toronto Blue Jays are shopping Bo Bichette this off-season and if they end up moving him but cannot find a replacement in the trade, Ernie Clement seems to be the next player in line to take over.
Bichette had a tough season in Toronto this year as he struggled at the plate offensively plus he dealt with a calf injury that had him out for a good chuck on the season plus a fractured finger at the end of the season.
Ernie Clement's solid game at shortstop might make trading Bo Bichette an easier job
As Bichette missed a ton of time this season, Ernie Clement stepped up as the Blue Jays shortstop while Bichette was out and did a surprisingly solid job defensively while putting up average numbers on offense.
The free agent market this winter does not have a ton of options so when the main players such as Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim are off the board, the Blue Jays will have to look internally for Bichette's replacement if they end up moving him.
"Ernie Clement did a solid job handling shortstop duties in (Bichette's) absence, and the Blue Jays could take an opportunistic approach to shopping (him) this offseason," Reuter said. "Once Willy Adames and Ha-Seong Kim are signed, there is a steep drop-off for teams still looking for an upgrade at shortstop."
While Clement has a lot less expirence, he is also a much cheaper option that Bichette and if the Blue Jays are able to trade while already having a replacement, they will have more money to spend elsewhere.