The Astros' general manager decided to act after reviewing numerous videos, acquiring Deng Kaiwei, who will wear jersey number 17 in the new season.

The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Deng Kaiwei via trade today, and the team announced on official social media that he will wear jersey number 17 during spring training, striving to make the opening day 26-man roster.

Deng Kaiwei was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Astros at the end of last month, swapping places with minor league catcher Jancel Villarroel. Speaking about the trade, Astros GM Dana Brown said in an interview, “It was mostly instinct. We initiated this process during the winter meetings when I was focused on strengthening our pitching staff. We watched a lot of footage and consulted many people, including colleagues from the uniform staff, before finalizing the deal.”

Brown also praised, “Deng Kaiwei is a strong, tall player who can throw up to 96 mph, with breaking pitches as weapons, and has strikeout ability. Given our team's reputation for developing pitchers, bringing in any pitcher means the team is leveling up. Deng’s addition has great potential.”

The Astros’ official social media also shared training footage of Deng Kaiwei today, showing that he chose number 17 as his team jersey. The previous player to wear this number was catcher Victor Caratini, who became a free agent after last season and signed with the Minnesota Twins in January this year.