What happened: Shortstop Marek Houston, the No. 7 prospect in the Minnesota Twins organization, is showing significant progress during his first full professional season with the High-A Cedar Rapids Kernels. The 2025 first-round pick recently highlighted his offensive growth with his first professional multi-homer game on June 5.
Why it matters: Known primarily for his elite defensive floor, Houston's recent power surge and improved exit velocities suggest a higher offensive ceiling than initially projected. His development is a key storyline for a Twins system looking to solidify its future middle-infield depth.
By the numbers: Houston was the 16th overall selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, signing for a $4.5 million bonus. He hit 15 home runs during his final season at Wake Forest and currently ranks as a top-10 talent in the Minnesota farm system.
What to watch: Scouts will monitor Houston's consistency at the plate throughout the summer to see if his power gains hold, potentially leading to a late-season promotion to Double-A.