Scouting Report

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

Signed for $10,000 out of Venezuela by the Astros 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 five different positions over the past two seasons. The Giants acquired him in a trade for Kai-Wei Teng in January.

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 Villarroel remains 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 has seen action at every other position besides shortstop and pitcher.

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
	01/30/2026	San Francisco Giants traded RHP Kai-Wei Teng to Houston Astros for C Jancel Villarroel and Future Considerations.
	01/30/2026	C Jancel Villarroel assigned to Eugene Emeralds.
	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.