The San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros announced a trade in which right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng is sent to Houston in exchange for catching prospect Jancel Villarroel and an undisclosed amount of international bonus pool money. The move helps both teams address roster needs and create flexibility for upcoming transactions.
The trade coincides with the Giants needing to clear a 40-man roster spot after signing outfielder Harrison Bader to a two-year contract. San Francisco designated Teng as the player to move, allowing the team to finalize Bader’s deal while adjusting their roster ahead of the season. The Astros created room for Teng by designating right-handed pitcher J.P. France for assignment.
Teng Brings Strikeout Potential and Versatile Pitching Despite Major League Control Struggles
Kai-Wei Teng, 27, has struggled during his major league appearances, posting a 7.30 earned run average over 40 and two-thirds innings in 12 games across the past two seasons. He has shown strong strikeout ability with a 23.7 percent strikeout rate, but has been hampered by control issues, walking nearly 13 percent of batters and hitting eight more in that span. Despite these struggles, Teng has demonstrated higher effectiveness at the Triple-A level, recording a 3.63 ERA with a 37.1 percent strikeout rate over 57 innings while reducing his walk rate to 9.2 percent.
Kai Wei Teng (MLB)Teng throws five pitches, including a four-seam fastball and sinker in the low 90s and a mid-80s sweeper as a secondary pitch. He has minor league options remaining and can provide Houston with rotation depth or long relief innings. The Astros valued his high strikeout potential and swing-and-miss ceiling over France, who has battled shoulder issues in recent seasons.
Giants Acquire Young Catching Prospect Villarroel While Houston Strengthens Pitching Depth
San Francisco, with a deeper rotation than Houston, benefited by acquiring a promising catching prospect in Villarroel. The 20-year-old Venezuelan posted a .259/.351/.388 line with eight home runs and 20 stolen bases in 100 games in A-ball last season. He demonstrated good plate discipline, walking 10.4 percent of the time, and has plus arm strength. Villarroel is seen as a development project who could serve as a future backup while the Giants strengthen their organizational depth.
The trade reflects strategic roster management by both teams. Houston adds a versatile arm with strikeout upside, and San Francisco gains a young catching prospect while creating the roster space needed for new acquisitions. The inclusion of international bonus money further allows the Giants to pursue talent in upcoming signing periods.
