Former Phillies Prospect Jon Singleton Released by Astros

During that time period when the Phillies were selling out every night, stacking division crowns and chasing veteran stars who fit, one of their prospects everyone wanted was Jon Singleton.

A first baseman, Singleton was blocked by Ryan Howard, and the Phillies eventually included him in one of their blockbusters, trading him along with Domingo Santana, Jarred Cosart and Josh Zeid to the Astros for Hunter Pence.

Houston saw a lot of potential in Singleton, who showed power and routinely had huge walk totals in the minors. The Astros took a unique chance on Singleton in 2014, signing him to a historic contract that guaranteed $10 million, even though he had yet to see a major-league pitch at that point.

The deal evoked strong reactions on both sides, with Cardinals pitcher Bud Norris tweeting that week: "Sorry but this Singleton deal is terrible. Wish the Jon listened to the union and not his agent."

Turns out, that deal was the right call for Singleton, who was released Monday night by the Astros.

Singleton is currently serving a 100-game suspension for a third positive drug test. The first two were marijuana-related.

Singleton is still just 26 years old, so he probably will resurface once his suspension is up. But his is one of many cautionary tales of why you shouldn't overvalue most prospects when you have an opportunity to add a star.

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