Brewers News: Jon Singleton DFA'd As Brian Anderson Signing Finalized

The Jon Singleton era in Milwaukee is likely over before he even had an opportunity to play a game for the Brewers.

Last week, it was announced that Brian Anderson had signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. That move has been finalized and as a result Jon Singleton was designated for assignment in order to make room for him on the 40-man roster.

When healthy, Anderson has the potential to provide a boost to the Brewers offense. He is expected to play primarily third base, but also some outfield as well. While Singleton and Anderson do not play the same positions, only 40 players can be eligible to play in the Major Leagues at a time. This left Singleton as the odd man out on the 40-man roster.

Who is Jon Singleton and what other details should be known as to why he was DFA'd before he even played a game for Brewers?

Singleton, a 31 year old left-handed power bat, was added to the Brewers 40-man roster in November. When he was added to the 40-man, there was some thought that he could see some time at designated hitter since Rowdy Tellez has his primary position, first base, locked down. This thinking came before the Jesse Winker trade, who is now the favorite to see time at designated hitter.

Back in November, having Singleton see playing time at DH was not unreasonable thinking. In 2022 he put together a 24 home run, 87 RBI, and .809 OPS season at Triple-A Nashville. An extra power bat in the lineup has his purpose and it's possible that he could have carved out a significant role. This thinking goes along the same lines of how Jesus Aguilar made the most of his opportunities back in 2017-2018.

A complicating factor for Singleton is that he has no minor league options remaining. This means that unless he was going to make the 2023 Opening Day roster, the Brewers would have had to eventually expose him to waivers anyway. With him being DFA'd, over the next week he may be traded or other teams may submit a waiver claim for him.

If neither of these happen, Singleton could be assigned to Triple-A again. However, if he chooses, he could decline this assignment and elect free agency.

There was no risk when the Brewers added Singleton to the 40-man roster back in November. Unfortunately for him ended up being a casualty of a more proven veteran player being added to the team later in the free agency period.