Minnesota Twins Pick Marek Houston in MLB Draft First Round

The Minnesota Twins made waves in the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting Wake Forest shortstop Marek Houston with the 16th overall pick.

Houston, a dynamic player celebrated for his defensive brilliance, is seen as the top prospect to remain at shortstop for years to come.

With his work ethic and steady improvement on the field, Houston shows why the Twins are doubling down on their strategy to build a bright future up the middle.

They didn’t stop there, adding other high-ceiling prospects like Alabama pitcher Riley Quick and Dallas Baptist’s James Ellwanger.

It’s shaping up to be a well-rounded draft class.

Why Marek Houston Is the Twins’ Perfect Pick

For five consecutive seasons, the Minnesota Twins have used a top-36 pick to draft a shortstop.

This strategy now seems to be paying off with the selection of Marek Houston.

At just 21 years old, Houston stands out for his elite defense.

He’s widely considered the draft’s most likely shortstop to stick at the position long-term.

That’s rare in today’s game, where many young shortstops eventually move off the position.

But Houston’s not just a defensive wizard.

He’s shown real growth at the plate, too.

In his three years at Wake Forest, his offensive stats have improved a ton.

He started with a .220 batting average as a freshman, but by his junior season, he hit .354 with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs in 61 games.

You can see his adaptability and determination in that steady development—qualities that should serve him well as he works through the Twins’ farm system.

A Glance at Houston’s Mentorship and Inspirations

Houston’s growth didn’t just happen by chance.

Wake Forest coach Tom Walter has praised Houston, calling him one of the hardest-working players he’s ever had.

With that strong foundation, Walter thinks Houston will rise quickly through the Twins’ ranks.

Houston himself looks up to MLB stars.

When someone asked about his role model, he pointed to Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson.

He admires Swanson’s mix of defense and steady offense.

It’s clear Houston embraces the competition that comes with being part of a loaded Twins system.

Building a Pipeline of Talent: The Twins’ Draft Strategy

The Twins showed their commitment to refreshing their prospect pool in this year’s draft.

Marek Houston headlines their selections, but the team grabbed other exciting names as well.

• Riley Quick (36th Overall Pick): The Alabama righthander throws a 97-mph fastball and just had a strong season after elbow surgery. Quick looks like a powerful addition to the Twins’ pitching depth.
• James Ellwanger (3rd Round): The Dallas Baptist righthander led Conference USA with 95 strikeouts and can touch 100 mph with his fastball. At 21, his potential is as electrifying as his velocity.
• Quentin Young (2nd Round): The second shortstop the Twins took in this draft, Young is the nephew of former Twins outfielder Delmon Young. His pick shows the Twins still value athleticism and versatility in the infield.

By focusing on players like Houston, Quick, Ellwanger, and Young, Minnesota has built layers of depth across the roster.

This approach fits with the team’s broader philosophy of staying competitive through their farm system.

Contract Speculations and What’s Next

The 16th pick in the draft comes with a bonus slot value of $4.93 million, which says a lot about the expectations for Houston.

Contract talks are still early, but it’s hard to imagine the Twins not locking down their newest shortstop soon.

Looking ahead, Houston will face plenty of competition as he starts his professional career.

The Twins have stocked their system with talent at every level, so Houston’s willingness to compete should only sharpen his skills and maybe even speed up his path to the majors.

A Unified Vision for the Future

The Minnesota Twins are building a strong core with a focus on draft picks and player development. They want a roster that sticks together for years, not just a season or two.

Marek Houston isn’t just another name in their system. He’s a big part of what they’re trying to become.

His defense stands out, and his offense keeps getting better. That’s the kind of player the Twins want—someone dynamic and reliable, especially when the pressure’s on.

When Houston puts on that Twins cap, you get the sense that Minnesota’s future feels promising. Not just in the field or at the plate, but right up the middle where it matters most.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Minnesota Twins select Wake Forest shortstop Marek Houston in first round of MLB draft