Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 45

Signed for $10,000 out of Venezuela in 2022, Villarroel features one of the more unusual profiles in the Minors. He's a 5-foot-8 catcher with solid speed who started games at six different positions in his U.S. debut last year. He batted a combined .321 in two seasons in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League before slashing .246/.359/.362 between Rookie ball and Single-A at age 19 in 2024.

Despite his lack of physicality, Villarroel packs surprising strength in his compact frame and has a quick right-handed swing that generates higher exit velocities than most players his age. He could produce 15-20 homers per season once he adds more muscle and starts driving balls in the air more regularly. He has decent plate discipline though he can get pull-happy and roll over grounders to the left side.

If the Astros keep Villarroel at catcher, the physical demands of the position will take a toll on his offensive production as well as his quickness. He has solid arm strength but will need time to polish his receiving, blocking and throwing. He also saw action at first base, center field, second base, left field and third base last year.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 40

Villarroel has one of the more unusual profiles in the Minors. Signed for $10,000 out of Venezuela in June 2022, he's a 5-foot-8 catcher with solid speed who also has seen time at five other positions in his U.S. debut this summer. He's an intriguing hitter who could wind up as some sort of version of Isiah Kiner-Falefa with more thump if not Gold Glove defense.

Villarroel may be undersized but does offer surprising strength and a quick right-handed stroke. He produces higher exit velocities than most 19-year-olds and should have at least 15-homer power, perhaps more if he learns to drive the ball in the air more consistently. He manages the strike zone reasonably well and shows a willingness to use the opposite field.

If he remains at catcher, Villarroel won't retain his present quickness. He has solid arm strength but his receiving, blocking and throwing are all works in progress. He also has started games at first base, second, third, left field and center this year, and moving him to a less demanding position would enable the Astros to get more out of his bat.

Awards

CAR Player of the Week

Week	Team
06/29/2025

DSL Mid-Season All-Star

Year	Team
2023

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	08/04/2025	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to Asheville Tourists from Fayetteville Woodpeckers.
	08/04/2025	Asheville Tourists activated C Jancel Villarroel.
	03/23/2025	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to Houston Astros.
	03/06/2025	activated C Jancel Villarroel.
	06/18/2024	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to Fayetteville Woodpeckers from FCL Astros.
	04/03/2024	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to FCL Astros from DSL Astros Orange.
	03/13/2024	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to Houston Astros.
	07/29/2023	DSL AL All-Stars activated C Jancel Villarroel.
	08/04/2022	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to DSL HOU Orange.
	08/03/2022	Houston Astros signed free agent C Jancel Villarroel to a minor league contract.