10. Kai-Wei Teng RHP. DOB:12/1/1998. 6'4", 260 lbs.
2023(AA): 1-3, 4.75, 47.1 IP, 12.93 K/9, 3.80 BB/9, GB/FB= 1.31.
2023(AAA): 6-5, 4.22, 79 IP, 10.94 K/9, 5.47 BB/9. GB/FB= 1.21.
Teng is a jumbo size pitcher who quietly had a pretty solid season last year surprisingly improving his ERA(though not his FIP) after a promotion to AAA. But just the fact that he didn't crater up there is impressive given the natural hitter-friendly environment exacerbated by a notoriously tight automated strike zone.
Teng has a low-mid 90's FB which, per Roger Munter of There R Giants, occasionally reaches 97 MPH, which he commands well backed by a tight downward slider. Per Baseball he also has a changeup which projects as above-average. On video, he shows an easy low-effort delivery which should allow him to work deep into games, a trait the Giants desperately need more of. Per Baseball America he also has a changeup which projects as above-average. He was acquired from the Twins in the Sam Dyson trade which at this point looks like it could be a big winner for the Giants as Dyson's career and personal life took a disastrous turn after the trade. FZ does not like to put prospects on the 40-man roster who still need development time so I am going to take that development as a vote of confidence in Teng and a sign that we could well see him pitching in Oracle Park. In fact, if the season started tomorrow there is a non-zero chance Teng might be the 5'th starter!
when he's on, Teng is s good as any young righty pitcher the Giants have..I saw him twice in Richmond last year and he was unhittable...but then a 3rd time he was as wild as they come....He followed that pattern in SAC...All about finding consistency with him. Coaching will be a big key and maybe it will be something minor physically or mentally??..Can easily see him in SF this year...Some fine arm coming up in the next two years..how soon and where is the main question!
ReplyDeleteSteveVA
SteveVA