Remember the Astros’ former first baseman, who agreed to a $850,000 contract in the major league and $425,000 in the minor league in 2023? He played for the Astros from 2011 to 2017 and again from 2023 to 2024, spending nine seasons with the team. As a 1B, he slashed .234/.321/.386 in his 405 appearances at the plate with a 102 OPS+. However, he was released in March following his failure to make it to the opening day roster.
We are talking about Jon Singleton. With a gaping hole at first base, the Astros were looking for someone to fill that position. And now, in a sudden twist of fate, Jon Singleton’s name emerged as the frontrunner. He has finally inked a minor-league deal with the Astros.
“The Astros are bringing back first baseman Jon Singleton on a minor-league deal, a source tells @TheAthletic,” Astros beat writer Chandler Rome made a post on his X handle. With this agreement, Singleton will enter the Astros’ roster for the third time.
The Astros are bringing back first baseman Jon Singleton on a minor-league deal, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) June 23, 2025
Jon Singleton was playing under a minor-league contract with the Mets. In his 55 appearances with the Triple-A Syracuse, he scored 37 runs while batting at a .213 average, recording just 12 home runs and 42 RBIs. His poor batting average and ability to score runs probably led to his release earlier this week, making him a free agent.
But now, with the Astros hoping for strong first base production for the long term, Singleton remains the only option available. Their current first baseman, Christian Walker, was expected to improve the first base production. But unfortunately for the $60 million star, it’s like falling off the cliff all of a sudden. So far this season, Walker is hitting just .218 with only 10 home runs. It’s fair enough to say that the gap is still there for the first base.
That’s why one may see this reunion going fruitfully. Although it’s Singleton’s third stint with the Astros, it’s worth noting that the 33-year-old has shown glimpses of his potential this season. Despite batting at a mere average, he could perfectly fit the roster, considering the Astros’ desperate need for a left-hander. And that’s probably one of the reasons why the Astros brought back the fan-favorite slugger on a minor league deal.
Yordan Alvarez’s injury has left Houston with four players who can bat from the left side. Therefore, Singleton’s return not only opens the door for them to bolster their production, but it also provides him with an opportunity to establish himself. And eventually, he may get back to the majors as well.
Meanwhile, a question still remains…
Will the Astros reuniting with their former star bring enough light?
With the Astros standing atop the AL West, they will likely make it to the playoffs, even if the reunion is not successful. But it cannot be denied that the Astros are longing for solid production from first base. So, a lot is expected from Jon Singleton. And going by his vast experience, Singleton may be a game-changer.
Singleton might be the ideal lefty right now. Despite having two competent left-handers, Luis Guillorme and Cesar Salazar, neither performed particularly well. While Guillorme averaged only .125 with a .301 OPS, Salazar boasted a .167 average with a .334 OPS. So far this season, nobody has been able to hit a home run, either. Even Victor Caratini and Cooper Hummel faltered big time.
Now, it’s worth noting that Jon Singleton, once touted as a major prospect with a $10 million, five-year contract, failed to live up to the expectations. He was a victim of substance abuse, following which he was sent to the minors. While spending his entire 2016 and 2017 in the minor leagues, Singleton was haunted by his past again. He tested positive for the third time, leading to his 100-game suspension.
Although he came back to the major league playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, he showed no signs of improvement. Nevertheless, there was a little light for him in 2024, with a slashline of .234/.321/.386 and 13 homers for the Astros.
Now, the Astros have the fewest at-bats against left-handed pitchers of any team. They might also need to address the lack of depth in position players, given the injuries to Dezenzo, Chas McCormick, and Jacob Melton. So, Singleton will not only provide them a left-hander option but will also produce significant depth in the lineup.
So, now with him getting a call-up in the minor league, he has a chance to prove himself. And as a left-hander, he can gradually establish his reputation and maybe get back to the majors, too.
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