The Houston Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants on Thursday in exchange for minor league catcher Jancel Villarroel. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated J.P. France for assignment.
The trade fits Houston’s strategy of adding flexible pitching depth with remaining minor-league options. With the Astros planning to use a six-man rotation during a demanding early-season stretch that includes 26 games in 28 days, optionable arms like Teng provide valuable roster flexibility.
Teng’s Profile
The 27-year-old Taiwanese pitcher has intriguing strikeout potential but has struggled with consistency at the major league level. Teng posted a 7.30 ERA over 12 appearances (seven starts) with San Francisco across the past two seasons, striking out 46 batters while walking 25 in 40⅔ innings.
His Triple-A numbers, however, paint a more encouraging picture. In 2025 at Sacramento, Teng recorded a 3.95 ERA with 89 strikeouts in just 57 innings. The ability to miss bats is evident, and the Astros may believe they can refine his command to unlock more success in the majors.
What Houston Gave Up
Villarroel, Houston’s No. 13 prospect, showed offensive promise at Single-A and High-A last season. The 21-year-old Venezuelan catcher hit .259/.351/.388 with 20 stolen bases across 100 games. However, his smaller 5-foot-8 frame has led to questions about his long-term defensive fit behind the plate.
The move marks the sixth pitcher the Astros have added this offseason, joining acquisitions Nate Pearson, Mike Burrows, and Roddery Muñoz, along with the significant signing of Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, as Houston continues rebuilding depth after last season’s pitching injuries.
