Houston Astros: Internal Options at First Base

Option 3

Option # 3: Jon Singleton

How it is so easy to forget about Jon Singleton, you know, the guy we thought would be the first baseman of the future not even two years ago. Besides a 95-game stint in 2014, Singleton has been pretty much an afterthought for the organization, even as a temporary solution at first base.

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The key issue with Singleton lately, off the field issues aside, is the lack of consistency at the major league level. He didn’t show much in his “try out” for the major league squad in 2014, hitting .168/.285/.335 with 13 HR and 44 RBI. That translated to a lackluster .282 wOBA and 78 wRC+ in 362 plate appearances.

Even though he had, by most accounts, a solid 2015 with the Fresno Grizzlies after hitting .254/.359/.505 with 22 HR and 83 RBI, the Astros front office seemed reluctant to give Singleton another audition despite Carter’s struggles. In fact, Singleton only appeared in 58 plate appearances for the major league squad this year. That is somewhat odd considering the organization signed Singleton to a contract extension right before his major league debut. Barring an outstanding spring that could thrust himself back into the conversation regarding the long-term plans for first base, the Astros have appeared to move on from the only holdover of the Hunter Pence trade.

Remember in spring training that anything can happen, including the revival of Singleton as a legitimate first base candidate.

Next: Option 4