Jon Singleton may not get a second act in the Milwaukee Brewers organization after all.
Singleton had gotten a second chance in affiliated ball last season, spending the 2022 campaign in Triple-A with the Brewers. He had impressed enough for the Brewers to sign him to another minor league deal early in free agency, extending an invitation to the major league portion of spring training. They even added Singleton to their 40 man roster ahead of the Rule V Draft out of concern that he would be selected.
Milwaukee Brewers run out of room for Jon Singleton
Circumstances have changed since then. The Brewers have made a flurry of moves since the Rule V Draft, adding pieces as they hope to be able to keep their window of contention open. Their latest move, signing Brian Anderson, led to Singleton being designated for assignment as they needed the spot on the 40 man roster.
Singleton had once been one of the more highly regarded prospects in baseball, a consensus top 100 prospect from 2012 through 2014 due to his impressive power and high walk rates. He had signed a five year contract worth $10 million with three team options before he even played a major league game in 2014, making his debut shortly thereafter.
He ended up being one of the biggest disappointments in Astros history. Singleton appeared in just 96 games, posting a .171/.290/.331 batting line with 14 homers and 15 doubles in 420 plate appearances, striking out 151 times with 60 walks. His last major league appearance came in 2015 as he was essentially left to rot in the minors before being released in 2018.
After not playing at all from 2018 through 2020, Singleton returned to baseball in the Mexican League for the 2021 season. His strong performance there, including a .503 on base percentage, grabbed the Brewers attention as they signed him for the 2022 campaign. He posted a .219/.375/.434 batting line in his 581 plate appearances in Nashville, hitting 24 homers while drawing 117 walks as he struck out 161 times.
Given his ability to get on base and power potential, it is possible that a team will give Singleton a chance. Likewise, it is understandable that the Brewers would want to slide him through waivers and keep him in their organization. It is just a matter of whether or not that can happen.
The Milwaukee Brewers have designated Jon Singleton for assignment. They are hoping that he can pass through waivers and stay in the organization.