Colin Houck Stats & Scouting Report

AB	382
AVG	.207
OBP	.302
SLG	.312
HR	5

Full name Colin Davis Houck
Born 09/30/2004 in Stockbridge, GA
Profile Ht.: 6'2" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: R / Throws: R
School Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga.
Drafted in the 1st round (32nd overall) by the New York Mets in 2023 (signed for $2,750,000).

View Draft Report

School: Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Mississippi State
Age At Draft: 18.8
BA Grade:55/Extreme
Tools:Hit: 55. Power: 55. Run: 55. Field: 55. Arm: 55.

Houck had one of the most impressive summers of any player in the high school class, and showed impact ability as a hitter, runner and defender on the left side of the infield. In addition to his baseball skill, Houck is a three-star quarterback for Parkview High and during his senior season threw for over 2,100 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has a simple rigthhanded swing with a small leg kick and otherwise minimal movement in the box, with impressive bat speed and a clean path through the zone. He had a tremendous East Coast Pro showing, where he hammered mid-90s fastball velocity to both gaps and also showed an ability to sit back and drive breaking stuff and offspeed pitches. He’s a polished hitter who only proved his hitting chops over the showcase circuit and hit .487/.589/.981 this spring with eight home runs. While most of Houck’s in-game power has been gap oriented and mostly of the doubles and triples variety, he does show the ability to turn on pitches and homer to the pull side, with average or better power potential in the future as he fills out his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Houck has impact potential as a defender. He moves well laterally and has turned in plus run times, with the quick-twitch athleticism and reflexes to make highlight-reel plays to go with above-average arm strength. He should be a solid defensive shortstop or potential plus defender at third base if he fills out and needs to slide to the corner. He’s committed to Mississippi State, but is a first-round talent now.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade: 55/Extreme

Track Record: Houck starred for Atlanta-area prep power Parkview High and shined on the showcase circuit heading into his senior year of 2023. The Mets were pleased to scoop him up at pick no. 32 and sign him for $2,750,000, about 5% over slot value. Houck was a two-sport athlete in high school who also was a three-star quarterback, and many believe he can take a leap in pro ball after he tailors his body for baseball. He made a brief pro debut in the Florida Complex League after signing and then impressed the Mets by volunteering to spend his offseason in Port St. Lucie to train at the organization’s complex.

Scouting Report: Houck has a well-rounded tool set and is lauded for his competitive makeup. His simple righthanded swing and small leg kick produce a clean bat path through the zone. Houck showed off his bat speed by hammering mid-90s velocity in high school and exercised swing decisions in pro ball with a patient approach, high contact rate and discerning eye to not chase breaking pitches. His power is mostly gap-to-gap but should improve as he matures his 6-foot-2 body and approach. Houck is a sound fundamental shortstop who ultimately may be a touch short in terms of range and arm to stick there. A move to third base or second base could be in his future. He has flashed plus run times but probably settles as above-average.

The Future: Houck can hit and has the potential to hit for power. He has a lot of polish for a high school product and has no glaring weakness. If he can take one of his average to above-average tools to plus, he could become a first-division regular. His journey begins as the shortstop for Low-A St. Lucie in 2024.

Scouting Grades Hit: 55 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Field: 55 | Arm: 55

Draft Prospects

School: Parkview HS, Lilburn, Ga. Source: HS

Commit/Drafted: Mississippi State
Age At Draft: 18.8
BA Grade:55/Extreme
Tools:Hit: 55. Power: 55. Run: 55. Field: 55. Arm: 55.

Houck had one of the most impressive summers of any player in the high school class, and showed impact ability as a hitter, runner and defender on the left side of the infield. In addition to his baseball skill, Houck is a three-star quarterback for Parkview High and during his senior season threw for over 2,100 yards with 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has a simple rigthhanded swing with a small leg kick and otherwise minimal movement in the box, with impressive bat speed and a clean path through the zone. He had a tremendous East Coast Pro showing, where he hammered mid-90s fastball velocity to both gaps and also showed an ability to sit back and drive breaking stuff and offspeed pitches. He’s a polished hitter who only proved his hitting chops over the showcase circuit and hit .487/.589/.981 this spring with eight home runs. While most of Houck’s in-game power has been gap oriented and mostly of the doubles and triples variety, he does show the ability to turn on pitches and homer to the pull side, with average or better power potential in the future as he fills out his 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame. Houck has impact potential as a defender. He moves well laterally and has turned in plus run times, with the quick-twitch athleticism and reflexes to make highlight-reel plays to go with above-average arm strength. He should be a solid defensive shortstop or potential plus defender at third base if he fills out and needs to slide to the corner. He’s committed to Mississippi State, but is a first-round talent now.