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Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

2026 Transactions: Astros Acquire Teng, Nationals Claim Lovelady

Originally posted on New Baseball Media | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 10:01 AM ET

Over the past few months, the Astros have sought to add depth to a rotation that came into the winter thin thanks to numerous injuries and the pending loss of Framber Valdez. Houston added another depth arm on January 29, as now-former Giant Kai-Wei Teng was acquired via trade.

Astros trade for Teng

The Astros and Giants announced a trade late on January 29, as pitcher Kai-Wei Teng was dealt to Houston for catching prospect Jancel Villarroel.

Teng, a 27-year-old who was acquired from the Twins by the Giants as part of the Sam Dyson trade years ago, spent parts of two MLB seasons in San Francisco. The righty pitched better than his 6.37 ERA indicated. Teng struck out 39 over 29.2 IP at the MLB level, and limited well-hit contact (3.9% Barrel%).

Teng missed a lot of bats with Triple-A Sacramento, as his 35.9% Whiff% was second-best among Pacific Coast League pitchers. Low-arm slot righty who has a low-to-mid-90s four-seamer that can miss bats, as well as a changeup, a sinker, a curveball, and a sweeper.

Walks, though, have been a problem for him both in the Minors and Majors. In 40.2 career MLB innings, Teng has walked 25.

Weng gives the Astros another starting pitcher option for what will be a different-looking rotation. Houston previously acquired Mike Burrows via trade and signed Nate Pearson and Tatsuya Imai.

San Francisco received Jancel Villarroel, a 21-year-old catcher who was among several notable catching prospects in the Astros’ system, alongside Will Bush and Walker Janek. Last season, between Low-A and High-A, Villarroel slashed .259/.351/.388 with eight home runs, 29 extra-base hits, plus 20 stolen bases, over 100 games.

Villarroel, as one might expect with the stolen base total, isn’t a typical catcher. The Astros used him all over the field, as Villarroel also saw time at first, second, left, and right field. He had 12 errors over 54 games behind the plate.

The 21-year-old made consistent contact, as his 24.3% Whiff% in Low-A put him in the upper echelon of the Carolina League. Not a high take hitter (51.7%).

Quantrill signs with Rangers

Add one player to the list of non-roster invites for the Rangers this coming February. Per the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers signed Cal Quantrill to a Minor League deal, which also comes with a Spring Training invite.

Quantrill had a very difficult season in 2025, split between the Marlins and Braves. The right-hander posted a 6.04 ERA and struck out 85 over 117.2 IP. His .367 wOBA was fourth-worst among starting pitchers with 100+ innings thrown last season.

The 30-year-old has never been a big swing-and-miss pitcher but rather has relied on changing speeds and getting jam shots. However, he was giving up more well-hit contact than ever before. Quantrill’s 12.4% Barrel% from 2025 marked a career-worst.

Angels get Sandridge

The Angels grab another former Yankee pitcher, as Los Angeles traded for pitcher Jayvien Sandridge in a cash deal. Kaleb Ort, who was previously with the Yankees this winter, was recently claimed off waivers by the Angels.

Sandridge is a left-hander who ran it up to 98 MPH last season with Triple-A Scranton. Mid-90s four-seamer and two-seamer, coupled with a slider and a splitter. High Whiff% (36.6%) rate pitcher.

Osvaldo Bido was designated for assignment.