The Toronto Blue Jays have been graced with two defensive standouts this season: Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement, both of whom have earned nominations for the prestigious Gold Glove Award. As both players fight for the same recognition in different positions, their performances on the field raise an intriguing question: who is more deserving of the Gold Glove?
Varsho, patrolling the outfield, has been nothing short of stellar, while Clement has been solid at third base. Each brings unique strengths to their respective positions, which makes this debate a fascinating one for Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the defensive performances of both players and analyze their contributions to the Blue Jays’ defense in 2024.
Daulton Varsho: The Defensive Anchor in the Outfield
Daulton Varsho has been a revelation in the outfield for the Blue Jays. Acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the 2024 season, Varsho’s defensive prowess was one of the main reasons the Blue Jays brought him in. He has exceeded expectations, emerging as one of the best defensive outfielders in the league. His range, athleticism, and ability to track balls hit deep into the gaps have set him apart from his peers.
Varsho’s 2024 defensive stats are eye-catching. Leading the team in Outs Above Average (OAA), a critical metric for defensive evaluation, Varsho consistently turned potential extra-base hits into outs. His 14 OAA, according to Statcast, ranks him among the top outfielders in all of Major League Baseball . Whether he was stationed in center or right field, Varsho’s instincts and ability to anticipate the ball off the bat allowed him to make spectacular plays look routine.
One of Varsho’s greatest strengths lies in his versatility. While primarily an outfielder, he also played as a catcher early in his career. His time behind the plate honed his reflexes and spatial awareness, attributes that have translated seamlessly into his outfield defense. His powerful arm has also been a major asset, as he’s thrown out multiple runners trying to stretch singles into doubles, or tag up from third base.
Despite his excellence, Varsho’s offensive struggles in 2024 might diminish his Gold Glove chances in the eyes of some voters. However, it’s important to note that the award strictly evaluates defensive performance, making his case for winning still robust.
Ernie Clement: A Rock at Third Base
While Varsho’s contributions to the outfield have been immense, Ernie Clement has been equally crucial for the Blue Jays in the infield, particularly at third base. Clement, often regarded as a utility player earlier in his career, has found his defensive home at the hot corner in 2024. His quick reactions, strong arm, and consistent fielding have all combined to make him a standout on defense.
Clement’s work at third base has been marked by incredible consistency. Over the course of the 2024 season, he posted a .990 fielding percentage, committing only two errors in 89 games at third . That level of reliability is impressive, especially when considering the difficulty of playing third base, where balls are often hit hard and require lightning-quick reflexes. His ability to make accurate throws from deep behind the bag to first base has cut down many would-be base hits, saving valuable runs for the Blue Jays throughout the season.
In addition to his stellar glove work, Clement’s baseball IQ stands out. He consistently positions himself well to anticipate where hitters are likely to pull the ball, allowing him to get to tough grounders and line drives. His quick lateral movements and fearless approach to charging slow rollers are characteristics that have earned him praise from both teammates and opponents.
However, Clement’s versatility is less of a factor than Varsho’s, as he primarily played at third base this year. While he has filled in at second base and shortstop occasionally, his Gold Glove candidacy is built on his performance at third. In contrast, Varsho’s ability to shift between multiple outfield spots, while maintaining his elite level of defense, gives him an edge in terms of versatility.
Defensive Metrics: How Do They Stack Up?
When looking at the advanced defensive metrics, both players have strong cases for winning the Gold Glove. Varsho’s 14 Outs Above Average ranks him among the top outfielders in all of baseball , while Clement’s defensive metrics at third base, including his range factor and zone rating, have been impressive but don’t quite match the eye-popping numbers of Varsho.
Varsho also leads Clement in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), with 12 DRS in the outfield compared to Clement’s 8 DRS at third base . While both numbers are excellent, Varsho’s superior total in this category indicates his ability to prevent more runs from being scored due to his defensive efforts. This is crucial, as preventing runs is the essence of defense, and Varsho’s ability to turn potential hits into outs on a consistent basis gives him the edge in this regard.
The Intangibles: Leadership and Versatility
Beyond the numbers, it’s important to consider the intangible qualities that both Varsho and Clement bring to the team. Varsho’s leadership in the outfield has been invaluable. As a relatively young player, he’s taken on a key role in communicating with fellow outfielders, ensuring proper positioning and reducing mistakes. His calm demeanor and ability to inspire confidence in his teammates have been instrumental in the Blue Jays’ defensive success in 2024.
Clement, on the other hand, has also been a leader by example. His work ethic and attention to detail, particularly in infield drills, have been noted by Blue Jays coaches. His defensive preparation, combined with his ability to remain focused during high-pressure situations, has earned him a reputation as a reliable defender at third base.
The Verdict: Who Is More Deserving?
Ultimately, both Daulton Varsho and Ernie Clement have put together Gold Glove-worthy seasons. However, if forced to choose, Daulton Varsho’s combination of elite defensive metrics, versatility, and ability to impact the game from multiple outfield positions makes him the more deserving candidate. While Clement’s consistency and reliability at third base are admirable, Varsho’s greater defensive range, higher defensive runs saved, and his ability to patrol the outfield with authority give him the edge in this race.
Varsho’s contributions have arguably had a broader impact on the Blue Jays’ overall defense, as the outfield typically covers more ground and faces more high-pressure plays than the infield. His highlight-reel catches and crucial assists have saved countless runs, and in a season where the Blue Jays’ offense has struggled, his defensive efforts have been even more critical.
That being said, both players deserve immense credit for their 2024 campaigns. The Blue Jays are fortunate to have such defensive stalwarts, and regardless of who takes home the Gold Glove, both Varsho and Clement can be proud of their contributions to the team’s defense.
