'A Surreal Feeling:' Temecula Infielder Signs To Texas Rangers Pro-Baseball Team

TEMECULA, CA — An 18-year-old shortstop from Great Oak High School has signed his contract with the Texas Rangers. To celebrate that moment, he also threw out the first pitch at the Rangers vs. Athletics game Tuesday.

Gavin Fien signed at No. 12 overall in the 2025 MLB First-Year Player Draft. According to MLB.com, he signed his contract that includes a $4.8 million signing bonus, leaving the Rangers with a little extra in the coffers.

"The California prep shortstop, a Texas recruit, signed with the Rangers," MLB News said. "One of the best high school offensive packages in the Draft class, he has an arm for the hot corner and likely winds up at third base. "

.@fien_gavin has always dreamed about this day. pic.twitter.com/tNAB2QoerQ
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 22, 2025

“Words can’t describe the feeling, honestly,” Fien told MLB. “It's hard to describe being an 18-year-old out of high school and what this means for me and my family, the hard work that I put in throughout the years, and the grind. The ups and downs. To be a part of such a quality organization is just so incredible. It’s something I'll forever be grateful for.”

Fien is described as "a 6-foot-3 right-handed hitter with plenty of bat speed who produced consistent line drives against top competition all summer.

"While he has an unorthodox setup with high hands, he made it work and was always on time, but this spring he had more trouble finding his rhythm and was often late in pulling the trigger at the dish. He's added strength, and there could be more power to come as he advances," according to MLB. "Fien's added physicality has allowed him to run better, though that's never going to be a part of his game. "

MLB suggests that now that he's committed to Texas, "he has the chance to profile well at third base with plenty of arm. He could end up at first or in a corner outfield spot in the future, though there are teams that saw enough over the summer to potentially draft his bat in the first round."

He follows his brother, Dylan Fien, a switch-hitting catcher, to the major leagues. Dylan is now with the A's, against whom his new team played Tuesday night.

His mother, Meghan Fien, made the journey to witness her son's signing event.

"It was a dream come true for me as a mom, to see one of my babies accomplish something so grand, and at a young age, left me with tears in my eyes and a loss for words," she told Patch. "My goal was always to raise kind, dedicated, hardworking, respectful, loyal and God fearing young men. So seeing that goal of mine collide with (both of their dreams) has been truly remarkable and makes me infinitely proud."