Should Jon Singleton Be The Opening Day Starting First Baseman?
By Yoni Pollak
One of the prizes of the Hunter Pence trade, Jon Singleton, was expected to be the first baseman of the Astros for the next decade.
When acquired, Singleton was already regarded as one of the best prospects in the game. He mashed in the Minors and continues to do so when playing there. However, when given time with the big league ball club, Singleton has yet to put it together.
Entering spring training as the favorite for the starting job, Singleton knew he couldn’t just mail it in with Tyler White, A.J. Reed and a host of others breathing down his neck.
More from House of Houston
- Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?
- Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever
- Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame
Walking into the clubhouse in February with 15+ added pounds of muscle, Singleton looked ready to take the spring by storm. Instead, the 24-year old has struggled for the most part, with just 6 hits in 41 at-bats (.146 avg), two of those landing outside the ballpark.
A rough spring performance, combined with great springs from White, Reed and others, could mean Singleton will lose his job once again. One thing the former Phillies prospect has going for him is the contract he signed a few years ago, earning him $2 million a season for the next three years, before three club options come into effect. Singleton took guaranteed money instead of betting on himself, something that was ridiculed earlier but now looks smart.
Some don’t take spring stats into account, others buy into them. But Singleton has yet to prove himself at the Major League level, something that has to concern Astros management. Though he’s never received consistent playing time, Singleton is a career .171 hitter in 357 at-bats with the Astros. If he wanted to guarantee himself playing time, coming out strong in March would have done the trick.
More from Houston Astros
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Astros: Playoffs require stronger finish
- Houston Astros: Three reasons why team should trade Josh Reddick now
- Houston Astros: Assessing the lineup without Yordan Álvarez
- Houston Astros: Why the pitching rotation is coming together at right time
But now A.J. Hinch and company have a decision to make. Do they see enough in Singleton to bat him down in the lineup and hope he can finally turn it around? Or has White (.344/.389/.500 in 36 plate appearances) earned himself the gig with after proving he can make contact at every level so far in his career?
That’s a question only Hinch can answer, but I believe they’re going to give Singleton every chance possible to earn that job.
Tyler White has certainly earned a 25-man roster spot and will likely spell Singleton from time to time. However, I do expect Singleton to receive the bulk of first base at-bats in April as the Astros continue to evaluate him. If he struggles in April, however, it may be the last time we ever see Singleton receive consistent playing time in an Astros uniform.
Continue to stick with House of Houston for all of your Astros coverage.