Report: First-round pick Marek Houston inks deal with Twins below slot value

Houston, a 21-year-old shortstop from Wake Forest, won't be short on cash after signing for about $4.5 million.

May 25, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Wake Forest infielder Marek Houston (7) seen in the dug out prior to the game against Florida State during the ACC Baseball Tournament at Truist Field. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Marek Houston, the shortstop from Wake Forest who was selected 16th overall in last month's MLB Draft, signed with the Minnesota Twins for just below slot value, according to MLB Network's Jim Callis.

Houston agreed to sign with the Twins for just shy of $4.5 million, according to Callis. The slot value for the No. 16 pick is approximately $4.9 million.

Houston was widely considered the best defensive shortstop in the draft. His outstanding glove coupled with a strong arm and speed on the bases makes him a three-tool player — and his offensive growth could scale him up to the four- or five-tool range. He hit .354 with 15 home runs, 19 stolen bases, 66 RBI, and a 1.055 OPS in 61 games this past season.

No. 16 overall pick Marek Houston signs w/@Twins for $4,497,500 (slot value = $4,929,600). @WakeBaseball SS, best defensive SS in this college class, also showed increased power this spring. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/l1xxmGn9Jq

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 23, 2025

The 21-year-old will now likely get a ticket to Florida where he'll join the Twins rookie team in the Florida Complex League for the rest of the summer.

Callis says the Twins have also agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Riley Quick, whom they drafted 36th overall in the supplemental round, and second-round pick (No. 54 overall) Quentin Young.

Overall, the Twins have confirmed that 19 of 21 draft picks in the 2025 class have signed.

Supplemental 1st-rder Riley Quick signs w/@Twins for $2,692,000 (full slot 36 value). @AlabamaBSB RHP, holds velocity on upper-90s sinker deep into games, mid-80s slider is wipeout pitch at its best, cutter reaches 95 mph. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/eUzwq8obiO

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 23, 2025

2nd-rder Quentin Young signs w/@Twins for $1,761,600 (full slot 54 value). California prep SS, impressive combination of size (6-6/225), athleticism & bloodlines (nephew of Dmitri & Delmon). Huge raw power, good infield actions for a big guy. Louisiana State recruit. @MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/Urqw4KViSO

— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) July 23, 2025