Astros Add Pitching Depth by Trading for Kai-Wei Teng

The Houston Astros continued their spring roster shaping with a fresh move that could pay off on the mound. The club acquired right-hander Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants, sending minor-league catcher Jancel Villarroel the other way. For a team looking to reinforce its pitching depth, this deal adds another intriguing arm to monitor as the season approaches.

Teng, a 25-year-old originally signed out of Taiwan, has shown flashes of high-upside stuff throughout his minor-league career. His strikeout numbers have consistently drawn attention, and his ability to miss bats fits well with Houston’s pitcher-development strengths. While he struggled with command in his brief MLB stint, the Astros have a long track record of helping pitchers harness their arsenal and take the next step.

Why the Move Matters for Houston

Pitching depth is always at a premium, especially for a team like the Astros that expects to compete deep into the season. Injuries have already created uncertainty in the rotation, and adding a controllable arm gives the club more flexibility. Teng has primarily worked as a starter in the minors, but his fastball-slider combination could also translate well into a bullpen role if Houston chooses to shift his development path.

Meanwhile, Villarroel, the prospect heading to San Francisco, is a 19-year-old catcher with raw tools and offensive potential. The Astros have solid catching depth across the system, which likely made him a moveable piece as the team sought immediate pitching help.

What’s Next

Teng will report to the Astros’ system, where he’ll work with pitching coaches to refine his command and adjust to the organization’s approach. If he progresses quickly, he could become a midseason call-up candidate, especially if Houston faces further rotation challenges.

Moves like this rarely draw national headlines, but they often shape the depth and durability of playoff-caliber teams. For the Astros, it’s another calculated investment in pitching potential—something this franchise has built a reputation on.

This article is a summary of reporting by NBC Bay Area. Read the full story here.