Toronto Blue Jays infielder Ernie Clement has shared his thoughts on Bo Bichette’s departure from the team, expressing happiness for his former teammate’s new opportunity with the New York Mets. Bichette recently signed a lucrative three-year, $126 million contract with the Mets, a move that Clement believes was the best decision for the two-time All-Star.
Clement, who played alongside Bichette from 2023 to 2025, spoke about his feelings regarding Bichette’s departure on the “JD Bunkis Podcast.” He praised Bichette as a talented player and a great friend, emphasizing that he deserves the success he has achieved in his career.
“I’m really happy for him,” Clement said. “He deserves every penny he gets. He’s a heck of a player, an awesome dude. He’s become a really good friend of mine, so just really happy for him. Obviously, it sucks, you know, seeing him go, and it’s going to be really weird not having Bo Bichette in the Blue Jays locker room.”
Clement also believes that Bichette’s decision to join the Mets was driven by a desire to win. He noted that Bichette understands the importance of winning in baseball and is excited to see how he will contribute to the Mets’ lineup alongside star shortstop Francisco Lindor.
“I think he just wants to win now,” Clement added. “I think he’s realized that baseball is so much more enjoyable when you’re winning. And he’s totally learned how to win, and he’s going to fit right in over there. Him and Lindor in the same infield is going to be pretty cool to watch.”
With Bichette’s departure, the Blue Jays will have to adjust their infield lineup, with the third base position now open for the Mets’ newest acquisition. Despite the changes, Clement remains optimistic about the team’s future and is focused on his own upcoming opportunity to represent his country at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
In the same podcast interview, Clement expressed his excitement about playing for Team USA in the WBC, citing the movie “Miracle on Ice” as a source of inspiration for his patriotic pride. The film, which depicts the U.S. men’s ice hockey team’s historic victory at the 1980 Winter Olympics, has motivated Clement to don the red, white, and blue and compete with fellow MLB stars on the international stage.
“I think the WBC is really growing,” Clement said. “I’m excited to meet all the guys that I’ve been playing against for the last few years, and it’s just going to be cool. I’m really thankful for the opportunity.”
As Clement prepares to represent his country on the global baseball stage, he joins a star-studded Team USA roster led by captain Aaron Judge and featuring top pitchers like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal. The WBC promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and national pride, and Clement is eager to make the most of this unique opportunity.
Overall, while the departure of Bo Bichette may bring changes to the Blue Jays lineup, Ernie Clement remains optimistic about the team’s future and is focused on his own upcoming international debut at the World Baseball Classic. With a mix of excitement and gratitude, Clement is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in his baseball career.
