The Giants needed a spot on the 40-man roster to make room for Harrison Bader OF. Rather than DFA a fringe player, they acted pre-emptively and traded Kai-Wei Teng RHP to the Astros for Jancel Villarroel C and maybe more importantly, more international bonus space. Let's break it down:
Kai-Wei Teng RHP. DOB: 12/1/1998. 6' 4", 241 lbs. 40-man roster, 2 Options.
2025(AAA): 3-2, 3.63, 57 IP, 14.05 K/9, 3.47 BB/9, 1.42 GB/FB.
2025(MLB): 2-4, 6.37, 29.2 IP, 11.83 K/9, 5.18 BB/9, 0.97 GB/FB.
Teng was acquired in 2019 for Sam Dyson. He's worked his way up the Giants minor league system with mixed results. At times he put up dominant K rates and other times his ERA ballooned due to command issues. He logged some time at the MLB level last season and made some really impressive pitches but was again plagued by inconsistent command and a large ERA. It's a bit sad to see him traded but the Giants have a logjam of AAA/MLB pitchers and Teng was probably the most logical to go. He also might have been they could get more for him than other pitchers and the extra international bonus money in addition to a non-40-man roster prospect is not a trivial return.
Jancel Villarroel C. DOB: 1/17/2005. B-R, T-R. 5' 8", 176 lbs. Rule 5 Eligible Dec. 2027.
2025(A): .258/.360/.385, 6 HR, 20 SB, 11.3 BB%, 17.2 K%, 372 PA.
2025(A+): .263/.295/.404, 2 HR, 4.9 BB%, 21.3 K%, 61 PA.
Compact catching prospect with strong hit and power tools. Reportedly has a strong throwing arm but still needs work on his all-around catching game. Got his feet wet in A+ ball at the end of last season so that is where he will probably start 2026. With Drew Cavanaugh moving up the Giants have room at the A+ level for a catching prospect.
International Bonus Pool Room: It's my understanding that no actual money changes hands in these deals, rather the receiving team gets more room to spend their own money on international prospect signings. I really like this part of the deal for the Giants as it shows they still prioritize the international market in the Buster Posey era.
Summary: It's a bit sad to see Teng traded but the Giants have a logjam of AAA/MLB pitchers and he was probably the most logical to go and they got a legitimate catching prospect with 2 years before Rule 5 eligibilty which is a plus. He also might have been they could get more for him than other pitchers and the extra international bonus money in addition to a non-40-man roster prospect is not a trivial return.
If Teng were a hitter his name would be Joey Gallo! It works when you are a 3 true outcomes hitter sometimes but I have never seen a pitcher who enjoyed success either striking guys out, giving up walks, or giving up bombs. Let the Astros try to figure out how to keep his balls out of the Crawford boxes. Great move Buster now sign Framber and we can get started with the season.
ReplyDeleteOh, please no Framber. I am not sure about his character. He appeared to cross up his own catcher last year. I know very little about the guy but if he is as he appeared, no thank you. There is a reason he is still available.
Deletedoesn't seem like roster spot should be necessary to keep Reimer Sanmartin around
ReplyDelete("Reiver")
ReplyDeleteGiants and infielder Luis Arraez are in agreement on a one-year contract
ReplyDelete$12M
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, Luis Arráez is said to be working out and wanting to play at 2B this year, and may be open to a 1 year prove-it deal to shoe that he can play there. The Giants now have the infield whisperer Ron Washington as a Coach Sounds like an interesting match..
ReplyDeleteArraez is not good defensively at 2B but I don’t care. He can hit and get on base so let’s go!
ReplyDeleteOh my. I had just seen mlbtr on Arraez when I posted that. Turns out it was being reported at the same time,
ReplyDeleteI say: cool. Let Ron W cook.