“`html
TRADE DETAILS
Astros receive: RHP Kai-Wei Teng
Giants receive: C Jancel Villarroel (was Astros’ No. 13 prospect, now Giants’ No. 27 in MLB Pipeline rankings), international bonus pool money
The Astros also struck an agreement Thursday with left-hander Tom Cosgrove on a Minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, a source said. The team has not confirmed the cosgrove deal.
Cosgrove is set to earn $900,000 if he makes the Astros’ Major League roster, according to a source.
These additions are strategically aimed at providing the Astros with much-needed pitching depth, a critical need after injuries impacted both their rotation and bullpen last season.
Villarroel Heads West
The Astros parted ways with catcher Jancel Villarroel, who was ranked as their no. 13 prospect before becoming the Giants’ No. 27 prospect.The 21-year-old displayed promising offensive numbers in 2025, posting a.259/.351/.388 slash line with 18 doubles and 20 stolen bases across Single-A Fayetteville and High-A Asheville. Villarroel also showcased positional versatility, starting 22 games in the outfield along with his primary role behind the plate. he was originally signed by the Astros out of Venezuela in 2022.
teng, 27, posted a 7.30 ERA over 12 big league games (seven starts) with San Francisco over the past two seasons.He struck out 46 batters and issued 25 walks in 40 2/3 innings. He’ll compete for a spot on the Opening Day roster and has the ability to start or pitch in relief.
Teng has a low-slot release and wields a five-pitch mix, headlined by his sweeper. he threw that pitch 39% of the time in the Majors last season. The opposition hit just .191 with a 34.6% whiff rate against Teng’s sweeper in 2025.
Cosgrove appeared in 72 games with the Padres from 2023-24, compiling a 3.95 ERA. He pitched in two games last year for the Cubs. In 2023, Cosgrove’s 1.75 ERA over 54 games and his .173 opponents’ batting average led all qualified rookie relievers.
Cosgrove finished the ’23 season in the 100th percentile in the Major Leagues in hard-hit rate (25.5%) and average exit velocity (83.9 mph) and in the 95th percentile in barrel percentage (3.6%).
The
