Houston, TX (SportsNetwork.com) – When Jon Singleton makes his major league debut on Tuesday, he’ll be doing so with a new contract in hand.<\/p>\n
The Houston Astros announced Monday that the team has agreed to terms on an unprecedented five-year contract with the promising first baseman that also includes three club options for the 2019-21 seasons.<\/p>\n
Singleton, rated by MLB.com as the Astros’ third-best prospect behind only former No. 1 overall picks Carlos Correa and Mark Appel, also will be recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City prior to Houston’s game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.<\/p>\n
Yahoo! Sports reported Monday that the deal is worth a guaranteed $10 million and holds a maximum value of $35 million.<\/p>\n
It’s the first of its kind for a player that has yet to accrue any service time in the majors.<\/p>\n
“Jon is one of the rising young power hitters in baseball, who has had a terrific first two months this year at Triple A,” said Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow. “He is a big part of our future here in Houston, and this contract ensures that he will be an Astro for many years to come.”<\/p>\n
Singleton currently ranks fourth in the Pacific Coast League with 14 home runs and is batting .267 with 43 RBI and a .397 on-base percentage in 54 games at Oklahoma City. MLB.com ranked him the top first baseman in the minors entering the 2013 campaign.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old was acquired from the Phillies organization in July of 2011 as part of a trade that sent outfielder Hunter Pence to Philadelphia. The Astros also received major league contributors Jarred Cosart and Josh Zeid in the swap.<\/p>\n
Singleton’s 2012 season was marred by a 50-game suspension for a violation of Minor League Baseball’s drug policy, which he later admitted was for marijuana use. He struggled in Triple A after returning from the ban, hitting just .220 with six homers and 31 RBI over 73 games.<\/p>\n
“He has worked hard to overcome adversity in the past couple of years and demonstrated to the organization that he is ready to contribute to a winning team in the major leagues,” stated Luhnow.<\/p>\n
Singleton will immediately take over as Houston’s regular first baseman, a position that the team has struggled to get production out of this season. Astros’ first basemen have hit a lowly .181 with five homers and 13 RBI.<\/p>\n
Marc Krauss, who has made 28 starts at first base, was optioned to Oklahoma City to make room for Singleton on the active roster. The 26-year-old owns a .173 average in 39 games.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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