Diamond Dynasty players are hitting a familiar roster wall: every new 99 OVR card looks essential, yet only a few actually solve a problem during real games. That is why MLB The Show 26 Stubs and lineup decisions are being discussed together more often, especially now that Ernie Clement's Cover Athletes reward has entered the conversation. The question isn't whether his rating is impressive. It's whether he gives your roster something another infielder doesn't.

After using cards like this in competitive and offline modes, I think Clement is easy to misread. He isn't built to carry an offense with towering home runs. His appeal comes from reliable contact, useful speed, and the ability to move around the infield without forcing you to rebuild the entire lineup. In a version where specialist cards can quickly crowd your roster, that kind of flexibility has real practical weight.

1 Why Does Clement's 99 OVR Rating Matter?

The rating matters because it gets Clement into the same conversation as the game's premium infielders, but it shouldn't be treated as a promise that every attribute is elite. His card has 118 Contact against left-handed pitching, 115 against right-handers, and 111 Vision. Those are the numbers you feel most often when working through a long at-bat.

His power tells a different story: 92 against lefties and 80 against righties. That split makes him a less convincing cleanup hitter than the rating may suggest. If you expect every 99 OVR player to be a constant home-run threat, Clement will feel modest. If you value hard contact, productive outs, and keeping rallies alive, his profile becomes much more convincing.

◆ The rating matters most because it gives a contact-focused player access to top-tier roster space.

◆ The card's weaknesses are clear enough that lineup placement matters more than the headline number.

◆ Clement works best when paired with heavier power bats rather than asked to imitate them.

2 What Does His Defensive Coverage Change?

Clement's primary position is second base, but he can also play first base, third base, and shortstop. That eligibility changes how you manage a roster during a long game. A player who can cover four infield spots is useful before the first pitch, on the bench, and after a late defensive move.

His 82 Fielding is solid, while 70 Arm Strength is less exciting. I would be comfortable using him at second or third, but I wouldn't build a defense around pretending that his arm is exceptional. At shortstop, his coverage is valuable, though a stronger defensive specialist may still be preferable in a close game.

The real benefit appears when another player has to move. You can start Clement at second, shift him to third after a pinch-hit move, or bring him off the bench to protect a lead. That saves a roster slot and prevents awkward defensive gaps.

◆ Use him as a starter when your infield is still developing and every position needs dependable coverage.

◆ Use him as a utility infielder once your roster gains stronger single-position options.

◆ Avoid relying on him as your late-game shortstop if arm strength is a major part of your defensive approach.

3 How Should You Approach His Offense In Actual Games?

Clement rewards players who are comfortable winning at-bats instead of hunting for one perfect swing. His 86 Speed gives him useful range on the bases, and his contact ratings make him a natural fit near the top or lower-middle portion of a lineup. I've found this type of hitter most useful when the surrounding batters provide the power he lacks.

His quirks also support an aggressive but controlled approach. Dead Red helps when you recognize a fastball early, while Unfazed can keep two-strike at-bats from becoming automatic outs. Bad Ball Hitter adds some freedom when an opponent refuses to give you a clean pitch over the plate.

That doesn't mean you should swing at everything. Clement's Discipline is only 33, and his right-handed power is limited enough that poor pitch selection can turn him into a soft-contact out machine. Look for pitches you can drive, use his vision to stay alive, and let the next hitter handle the extra-base damage when the matchup is poor.

◆ Bat him high when you want contact and speed to start innings.

◆ Move him lower when your lineup needs more runners ahead of a power threat.

◆ Consider him as a bench bat against left-handed pitching, where his power split is more favorable.

4 Is The Takeover Program Worth Completing?

Yes, mainly because the path to Clement fits naturally into normal Diamond Dynasty play. The program requires 22 points. The four Moments provide 12 points through simple Veteran-level tasks, including a hit, an extra-base hit, reaching base, and four total bases. The remaining 10 points come from collecting 30 hits with any players in any Diamond Dynasty mode.

That structure is much less disruptive than a reward path that demands a narrow lineup or a costly set of cards. You can earn the hits while playing Conquest, Mini Seasons, ranked games, or whatever mode already matches your routine. I'd complete the Moments first, then let the 30-hit mission progress in the background.

1) Finish the four Moments to secure the quickest 12 points.

2) Play your preferred mode with hitters you already trust instead of forcing Clement into every game.

3) Claim the card at 22 points, then test him in several lineup roles before deciding whether he starts.

The Deluxe Pick Packs and XP along the way are useful, but Clement is the reason to finish. Even if he eventually leaves your starting lineup, a free 99 OVR utility infielder remains a strong roster asset during future content cycles.

5 Who Should Actually Use Ernie Clement?

Newer teams should start him at second base because he brings dependable contact without demanding a complicated strategy. Established teams should look at him as a flexible reserve, especially if their bench currently lacks defensive coverage. Players who make frequent late-game moves will probably notice his value sooner than players who leave the same nine hitters in place from start to finish.

He is not an automatic choice for every competitive lineup. A player with elite power against both sides or superior defense at one position may outperform him in a specialized role. Clement earns consideration by doing several jobs well enough, not by dominating one category.

That makes him a smart completion target for most players, but not a card you need to force into the lineup. Before spending resources on a replacement or reshaping the rest of your roster, test whether his contact and position coverage address an actual weakness. If your team needs flexible infield depth, the value is obvious; if it already has four elite infielders, he may be more useful as insurance than as a centerpiece. Players who want to preserve options for future roster moves can also compare their priorities with MLB The Show 26 Stubs for sale before making any major additions, but Clement himself is worth earning through the program and judging on the field rather than by his rating alone.