Ernie Clement leaned back against a table within the centre of the Toronto Blue Jays clubhouse, listening to a reporter’s query about what’s next for his team after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series.
Clement, the breakout star of the post-season, reached behind his own back and grabbed a can that had been strategically hidden from the view of TV cameras.
“I feel I’m gonna finish this beer. I’m gonna finish this beer. I’m gonna enjoy one last night hanging with everybody,” said the 29-year-old, gesturing to his teammates across the room. “Yeah, I just need to soak it in with these guys. I can’t emphasize it enough, I just love this group.
“It was literally each person within the organization who just made this 12 months so awesome.”
All-star shortstop Bo Bichette was much more succinct about what was next after Toronto’s third World Series appearance got here to a disappointing end.
“I am going to sleep, I get up, I pack up, and I am going home, and that’s what happens the subsequent couple days,” said Bichette.
And positively, rest and recovery are needed. Each Clement and Bichette played hurt within the World Series against the Dodgers.
Clement had a hairline fracture in his left middle finger and Bichette missed most of September and the primary two rounds of the post-season with a sprained left knee that he deadpanned hurt “somewhat bit.”
Veteran designated hitter George Springer missed Games 4 and 5 of the Fall Classic with a strained midsection and had also taken a 95 m.p.h. fastball off of his knee within the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners.
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There have been two other significant injuries to Toronto’s roster as starting pitcher Jose Berrios didn’t make a single playoff appearance after right elbow inflammation ended his season early. Switch-hitting slugger Anthony Santander — one in every of the Blue Jays’ biggest off-season acquisitions — was shelved after three games within the ALCS with back tightness, a difficulty that plagued him all 12 months.
“I’m shot. My whole body’s shot. I just need to go lay in bed for a couple of month,” said Clement. “After that month, I’ll get able to play baseball, and I can’t wait for that.”
While the Blue Jays heal physically, general manager Ross Atkins has some work to do too.
Several key players from Toronto’s playoff run are set to turn into free agents within the off-season, including Game 7 starter Max Scherzer, pitcher Chris Bassitt, and most notably Bichette, who has spent his entire profession with the Blue Jays organization.
“I said I’ve desired to be here from the start,” said Bichette. “I need to be here, but I just lost a Game 7.”
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., has played his entire profession alongside Bichette and said he desires to proceed being teammates. Guerrero signed a 14-year, US$500 million extension with the Blue Jays on April 9.
“Obviously, I might love to complete my profession twiddling with (Bichette),” said Guerrero with the shortstop just just a few feet away. “But with the free agency, he’s got to do his thing, go and do what he’s got to do and get his money.”
Shane Bieber, a trade deadline acquisition from the Cleveland Guardians, has a player option in 2026. Clement and Gold Glove centre-fielder Daulton Varsho are also entering arbitration years.
Guerrero, who was a powerful contender to be named World Series MVP if the Blue Jays had won the championship, said that he and his teammates will come back stronger when spring training begins in five months’ time.
“Not only the season, this game will make us stronger,” said Guerrero through team translator Hector Lebron. “It’s not the way in which we desired to end it but like I at all times say, we lost one battle, but we haven’t lost the war.
“But, I mean, it’s the way in which it’s. It’s God’s plans, and we’ve got to maneuver forward. I’m very pleased with myself, my teammates, and we’ll be back.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press