Athletics Release Ernie Clement – MLB Trade Rumors

The Athletics announced that infielder Ernie Clement has been released.  Clement was claimed off waivers from the Guardians back in September, and was designated for assignment in December before clearing waivers and remaining with Oakland on an outright assignment.

A release this relatively early in Spring Training could be the Athletics’ way of giving Clement a jump on the open market, as more veterans will start getting cut from minor league deals the closer we get to Opening Day.  Clement (who turns 27 later in March) will now become a free agent for the first time in his pro career.

Cleveland selected Clement in the fourth round of the 2017 draft, and the University of Virginia product hit .273/.328/.360 over 1340 plate appearances in the minors.  Despite the lack of overall production, Clement still made his way up the minor league ladder due to his defensive versatility and his good contact numbers.  This culminated in some MLB playing time in 2021 and 2022, but Clement has a lackluster .204/.261/.264 slash line over 312 PA with Cleveland and Oakland.

Clement played mostly second and third base at the big league level, with a handful of games as a left fielder, first baseman, and shortstop to boot (and even a couple of mop-up pitching appearances).  This ability to play all over the diamond makes Clement an interesting candidate for teams in need of depth, so another minor league contract in short order wouldn’t be a surprise.