Jon Singleton was supposed to be a building block for the next Houston Astros playoff team. He was a consensus top 100 prospect from 2012 through 2014, consistently rated as the Astros top prospect. He signed a five year extension worth $10.5 million before ever appearing in the majors and completely flopped, getting removed from the 40 man roster in 2017 before being released in 2018 after failing a third drug test.
After some time away from the game, Singleton is back. The former Astros top prospect has signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers as he looks to prove himself once again.
RHP Arnaldo Hernandez and 1B Jonathan Singleton have been signed to minor league contracts.
— Brewers Player Development (@BrewersPD) December 9, 2021
Milwaukee Brewers giving former Houston Astros top prospect Jon Singleton a second chance
Singleton’s last season with the Astros’ organization came in 2017. He had been dropped down to Double-A after a mediocre showing at Triple-A in 2016. In that final season, he produced a disappointing .205/.376/.397 batting line in his 500 plate appearances. While he drew 107 walks with 18 homers and 20 doubles, Singleton also had just 41 other hits.
He had completely vanished after being released by the Astros before resurfacing in Mexico. He posted an impressive .321/.503/.693 batting line in his 189 plate appearances for the Diablos Rojos del Mexico, drawing 51 walks while hitting 15 homers. Even though the Mexican League tends towards bloated offensive production, that is still an eye catching batting line.
As Singleton is just 30 years old, there is the hope that he can develop into a viable major league asset. His ability to draw a walk and solid power will give him a chance if he can show that he is in the right mindset. That time in Mexico did just that.
For the Brewers, it is a worthwhile gamble. First base is not exactly settled, and Singleton could force his way onto the roster. Otherwise, he could slot into Triple-A, serving as a depth piece while they see if Singleton has anything to offer.
Former Houston Astros prospect Jon Singleton is back, having signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. He is an interesting lottery ticket.