Giants trade Teng to Astros for prospect

The Houston Astros acquired right-handed pitcher Kai-Wei Teng from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for catcher/outfield prospect Jancel Villarroel and international bonus pool money, the teams announced Thursday.

Teng, who made his big-league debut in 2024, adds versatility to Houston's staff as a swingman. Although he primarily worked as a reliever in Triple-A last year, he started seven of his eight MLB appearances.

The 27-year-old Taiwan native posted a 6.37 ERA, 3.81 FIP, and 1.55 WHIP over 29 2/3 innings with San Francisco in 2025. He allowed just two homers and tallied 39 strikeouts in the majors for a stellar 11.8 K/9 rate, but he countered that by issuing 17 walks for a 5.2 BB/9 and hitting seven batters. At Triple-A last season, Teng recorded a 3.63 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 89 strikeouts (14.1 K/9) and 22 walks (3.5 BB/9) across 57 innings.

Houston plans to begin 2026 with a six-man rotation, according to Rome and Baggarly. Whether Teng will be a part of that rotation isn't clear, but he should get a chance, as the Astros will reportedly stretch him out as a starter in spring training.

Teng comes to the Astros with some additional flexibility, as he has two minor-league options remaining. He isn't arbitration-eligible until 2029 and won't reach free agency until 2032.

For San Francisco, trading Teng frees up a 40-man roster spot that'll likely go to outfielder Harrison Bader, who reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with the club.

Villarroel, 21, was ranked by MLB.com as the Astros' No. 13 prospect at the end of 2025. Signed by Houston as an amateur free agent in 2022, he hit .259/.351/.388 with eight homers, 54 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases across 100 games between Low-A Fayetteville and High-A Asheville last year.

The Venezuelan is a natural catcher who can play multiple defensive positions. Villarroel spent significant time bouncing between catcher and left field in 2025, and he also has professional experience at right field, first base, and second base.

To make room for Teng on the 40-man roster, Houston designated right-hander J.P. France for assignment. France, 30, broke out as a key starter for Houston in 2023. However, he's made just six big-league appearances since then because of ongoing shoulder issues that required surgery two years ago.