The Houston Astros are back in the win column after Monday's 8-2 blowout win over the Miami Marlins finally put an end to their skid. The Astros had lost eight of their last 10 games before the series opener, leaving time to tell if the American League West leaders can keep rebuilding their momentum as their push towards the playoffs continues into August.
Looking to break the curse, the Astros have made a handful of recent moves to try and shake things up. One of those interactions included designating first baseman Jon Singleton for assignment on July 28. The veteran slugger elected free agency a few days later and has since been looking to join a new team.
Well, as the saying goes, what was once old just became new again in Houston.
Astros Bring Back 1B Jon Singleton After Last Week's DFA
On Tuesday morning, Astros insider Michael Schwab reported that Houston has re-signed Singleton to a minor-league contract. "He will join the Space Cowboys in Salt Lake City for the upcoming series," Schwab added.
Source: Jon Singleton has signed a minor league contract with the Astros. He will join the Space Cowboys in Salt Lake City for the upcoming series.
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) August 5, 2025
He was recently DFA but is signing with the minor league team as a free agent. pic.twitter.com/o3fkeo3rfB
Rejoining the Astros suggests that Singleton struggled to find a new home after electing free agency last week. The MLB trade deadline didn't open the doors he was looking for, leading him back to Triple-A Sugar Land, where he'll look to improve his stock down the stretch.
Singleton, 33, was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009 but was traded to the Astros two years later in the multi-player deal that sent Hunter Pence to the City of Brotherly Love. The Harbor City, CA native failed three drug tests during his first stint with Houston and was eventually released in May 2018 after serving a 100-game suspension.
After spending time in Mexico and with the Milwaukee Brewers, Singleton returned to the Astros during the 2023 campaign. His tenure was another brief one, as he was released before Opening Day 2025 before joining the New York Mets on a minor-league contract in early April — a partnership that only lasted a few months until he was cut in mid-June.
Singleton has left much to be desired during his third Houston stint, slashing only .111/.111/.111 with one hit in nine at-bats across three MLB games. The former top prospect has been much more productive in Triple-A, though, tallying four home runs, 12 RBIs, and 18 walks with a .254 batting average and .887 OPS in 18 games (63 ABs) with the Space Cowboys.
All eyes will be on Singleton to see if he'll capitalize on his new lease on life. If he successfully beats up on minor-league pitchers, the veteran 1B could be in line for another call-up when the Astros' roster expands to 28 on Sept. 1.