Kai-Wei Teng traded to the Astros, facing intense competition for roster spots in the new season

Following his trade from the San Francisco Giants to the Houston Astros, Kai-Wei Teng is anticipated to encounter strong competition even though the Astros’ starting rotation depth may not match that of the Giants.

During the offseason, the Astros did not re-sign left-hander Framber Valdez but instead focused on strengthening their starting rotation by signing Tatsuya Imai from Japan’s professional league and Ryan Weiss from Korea’s professional league. Alongside their core group, contenders for the opening rotation include Hunter Brown, who ranked third in the American League Cy Young voting last year; Cristian Javier, who returned late last season after undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction; veteran Lance McCullers Jr.; and Spencer Arrighetti, once regarded as the top farmhand prospect but sidelined for most of last season due to injury. All are considered strong candidates for the starting rotation at the season’s start.

The Astros plan to use a six-man starting rotation to navigate the demanding schedule of 26 games in 28 days early in the season. Besides the six mentioned pitchers, other competitors include Mike Burrows, recently acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the team’s young talents AJ Blubaugh, Miguel Ullola, and Colton Gordon, as well as veteran Jason Alexander, who joined the rotation in the second half of last season and performed well. These pitchers provide valuable depth to a rotation that has been frequently affected by injuries in recent years.

In the bullpen, after finalizing six starting pitchers, the Astros can carry only seven relief pitchers. Those without options include Josh Hader, Bryan Abreu, Steven Okert, Enyel De Los Santos, Nate Pearson, and Rule 5 draft pick Roddery Munoz. Adding last year’s standout performers Bryan King and Bennett Sousa, the bullpen roster is nearly full even if Munoz is ultimately not retained. Other relievers on the 40-man roster include Jayden Murray. Pitchers who do not make the starting rotation may also compete for bullpen roles, making the competition equally intense.

Kai-Wei Teng might earn a major league roster spot at the start of the season with a strong spring training showing, but it’s more likely he will begin in Triple-A. Regardless of the outcome, he must impress the coaching staff and management during spring training; if he doesn’t make the opening day roster, he will need to stay ready in Triple-A for a potential call-up at any time.