Houston Astros Sign Free Agent First Baseman Ahead of Dodgers Matchup

The Houston Astros dipped into their past to produce some depth at first base by signing Jon Singleton to a minor league deal.
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
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The Houston Astros have agreed to a minor-league deal with free-agent first baseman Jon Singleton, a former Astros first-round pick. 

The Athletic reported the deal. The Astros have assigned Singleton to Triple-A Sugar Land. 

At one time, Singleton was the Astros' future at the position, and he was part of the haul the team got from Philadelphia for Hunter Pence in 2011. 

He later became the Astros' No. 1 overall prospect and signed a five-year, $10 million deal before he even played in a Major League Game. 

Singleton tested positive for drugs three separate times, the last of which was in 2018, which led to a 100-game suspension and his release from the Astros. 

After a stint in Mexico, he worked his way back in to the Majors and on June 3 he was called up by Milwaukee. The Brewers designated him for assignment after a 3-for-29 start and became a free agent on Wednesday. 

In 125 Major League games he has slashed .166/.283/.316/.599 with 14 home runs and 52 RBI. 

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Matthew Postins
MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He also covers he Big 12 for Heartland College Sports.