[3] The Rangers traded Villanueva and Kyle Hendricks to the Chicago Cubs in 2012 in exchange for Ryan Dempster.

[8] Villanueva began the 2017 season with the El Paso Chihuahuas of the Class AAA Pacific Coast League.

[9] On April 3, 2018, Villanueva hit three home runs in a game against the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park.

[citation needed] On August 22, Villanueva fractured his finger while fielding 2nd base and missed the remainder of the season.

On November 6, 2018, Villanueva signed with the Yaquis de Obregon of the Mexican Pacific League for the 2018 winter season.

[12] On November 20, 2018, the Padres designated Villanueva for assignment and sold his contract to the Yomiuri Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball's Central League.

Villanueva made 71 appearances for the Sultanes in 2024, batting .301/.366/.467 with eight home runs, 44 RBI, and eight stolen bases.