With the 16th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, the Minnesota Twins selected shortstop Marek Houston out of Wake Forest.
Ranked the No. 15 prospect in this year's draft class by MLB Pipeline, Houston is considered one of the best defensive shortstop prospects in the class. Lauded for his speed and arm strength, he has the tools to play anywhere on the diamond as a utility man if he doesn't earn an everyday shortstop role at the pro level.
In 180 games with the Demon Deacons, the right-handed hitting Houston batted .302, including .354 this past season. He may not have as much power 15 home runs in 2025 would indicate, but he is a solid contact hitter if nothing else.
Houston wasn't a high-profile recruit out of high school, but he won Wake Forest’s shortstop role as a freshman in 2023 and helped the Demon Deacons finish third at the Men's College World Series that year. A Cape Cod League All-Star in the summer of 2024, he profiles as a high-quality defender at the big league level.
Houston was the first of two Wake Forest products to go back-to-back in the first round of this year's draft, with teammate Ethan Conrad going to the Chicago Cubs at No. 17.
We don't have a problem with this pick
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 13, 2025
With the 16th pick in the 2025 #MLBDraft, we have selected Marek Houston pic.twitter.com/gdPSU8CdIL
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Houston has the athleticism to succeed as a utility player, but if his new offensive approach sticks and results in him hitting for more consistent power than he had before his junior season at Wake Forest, he could end up being the heir apparent to Carlos Correa at shortstop in Minnesota.
The early returns of Houston's offensive overhaul were certainly promising. After he combined for 12 homers in his first two seasons for the Demon Deacons, Houston's 15 homers in 2025 were tied for the team lead. Not only that, but his 66 RBI were also the most on the team that season, as were his 145 total bases, 61 runs scored and 19 stolen bases. He also demonstrated strong plate discipline with 46 walks and a .458 OBP in 2025.
Time will tell whether Houston's bat can translate at the pro level, but the Twins have locked down an elite defender with this pick at No. 16.
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