Cubs Set to Draft Talented College Shortstop in Latest MLB Mock Draft
The Chicago Cubs are expected to continue their successful draft strategy with their first-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. The Cubs’ strong farm system has played a key role in their impressive 2025 season, producing several big-league talents.
Cade Horton, a starting pitcher, and Matt Shaw, a third baseman, were both first-round selections in 2022 and 2023, and they’re already making an impact in the Cubs’ lineup. Last offseason, the Cubs traded their 2024 first-round pick, Cam Smith, as part of a major deal to acquire outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros.
While that trade weakened the Cubs’ infield prospects, the 2025 MLB Draft offers a chance to rebuild that depth. With the No. 17 overall pick this year, the Cubs have demonstrated a knack for finding talent in the middle of the first round, as evidenced by their successful picks of Shaw and Smith at No. 13 and No. 14 overall, respectively.
Looking at recent drafts, the Cubs have favored college players, and that trend is expected to continue this year, even though the draft class is led by high school position players.
In his latest MLB mock draft for The Athletic, Keith Law projects the Cubs to select Wake Forest shortstop Marek Houston. Law views this pick as a potential value selection for the Cubs, similar to the situation when Matt Shaw fell to them two years ago. Houston, ranked as the No. 15 prospect on MLB Pipeline, is regarded as one of the top defensive shortstops in the draft.
Although Houston isn’t known for being a power hitter, he’s a solid contact batter. He had a breakout season for Wake Forest, posting a .354/.458/.597 slash line with 15 home runs and 66 RBIs in 61 games, significantly increasing his power numbers.
While some players may have higher power metrics, Houston’s potential for projectable power and his defensive skills make him a strong fit for the Cubs’ system. His profile mirrors the type of college player, like Shaw, who could move quickly through the farm system and contribute at the major league level in the near future.
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