The Toronto Blue Jays will have a new-look infield next season with Bo Bichette signing with the New York Mets.
Bichette has been a key part of the Blue Jays roster for years. But he signed a three-year deal with the Mets this offseason. Since he was drafted by Toronto, he’s been a key part of the organization and has been a leader on and off the field for players.
One player he connected with was utility man Ernie Clement, who grew fond of Bichette. So, seeing Bichette sign with the Mets is a tough pill to swallow for Clement.
“I’m really happy for him. He deserves every penny he gets. He’s a heckuva player, awesome dude, he’s become a really a good friend of mine. It sucks seeing him go,” Clement said on the JD Bunkis Podcast. “It’s gonna be really weird not having Bo Bichette in the Blue Jays locker room.”
Clement said that despite Bichette being a looming free agent, his focus was on getting back for the World Series and making an impact, which he did.
“He knew that he had some decisions to make after the season. (But) he was so engulfed in trying to win the World Series that it finally hit him,” Clement said.
Bichette is a two-time MLB All-Star.
Clement Knows Blue Jays Are ‘Hunger’ to Get Back
Despite losing Bichette, Toronto still had a solid offseason to improve its roster, primarily the pitching staff.
Given that the Blue Jays lost in Game 7 of the World Series, Clement said the team is motivated to get back on track and get back to the World Series.
“We’re all pretty hungry to get back to the World Series and start winning ball games again,” Clement said.
Clement is expected to be Toronto’s everyday second baseman following Bichette’s departure. However, the utility man said he’s ready to play whatever position the team needs him to play on any given day.
“Wherever I’m playing, I go trust my instincts and any ball hit my way, I take a lot of pride in making sure it doesn’t get to the outfield,” Clement said. “I don’t do a lot of thinking over there. … Short, third, second, I’m ready to roll. Whatever they need me to do, I’m good.”
The utility man became a playoff hero for the Blue Jays, as he hit .411 with 1 home run and 9 RBIs in the playoffs.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Sends Message to Bichette
Bichette’s departure is also tough for Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who rose throughout the minor league system and became close friends.
Bichette had said he wanted to spend his entire career with Guerrero, but that won’t happen. So, after Bichette signed with the Mets, Guerrero spoke to Sportsnet reporter Hazel Mae and shared his feelings on Bichette’s departure.
“Of course, I feel sad after playing with him for so many years, but like I’ve always said, this is a business, and you have to look out for what’s best for you and your family,” Guerrero said about Bichette. “I wish him the best. We won’t be teammates anymore, but our friendship will last forever.”
Guerrero signed a 14-year, $500 million extension with the Blue Jays.
Ernie Clement Makes Feelings Known on Bo Bichette Leaving Blue Jays