‘A Surreal Feeling’: Great Oak High Standout Signs Pro Deal with Texas Rangers
TEMECULA, CA — A promising young talent from Temecula has taken a major step in his baseball journey. Gavin Fien, an 18-year-old infielder from Great Oak High School, has officially signed a professional contract with the Texas Rangers after being selected 12th overall in the 2025 MLB Draft. To mark the occasion, he also had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the Rangers vs. Athletics game on Tuesday night.
Fien, who had previously committed to play for Texas at the college level, agreed to terms with the Rangers on a deal that includes a $4.8 million signing bonus, according to MLB.com. The California native is considered one of the premier high school offensive talents in the class, boasting impressive bat speed and the kind of arm strength that could eventually land him at third base.
“Words can’t describe the feeling, honestly,” Fien told MLB. “Being 18 and signing a professional contract — it’s incredible. All the hard work, the ups and downs, and the sacrifices… to join such a high-quality organization is something I’ll always be thankful for.”
Listed at 6-foot-3, Fien is a right-handed hitter known for producing consistent line drives against top-tier competition. Though scouts have noted an unconventional stance with high hands, Fien consistently found ways to stay on time with his swing throughout the summer circuit. He experienced some timing issues earlier this spring but has added strength and physical maturity that could lead to increased power at the next level.
While shortstop was his primary position in high school, scouts believe his future may lie at third base — or possibly a corner outfield or first base role, depending on how his bat continues to develop. Some evaluators even projected him as a first-rounder purely based on his offensive upside.
Gavin is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Dylan Fien, a switch-hitting catcher who is currently in the Oakland A’s organization — the very team the Rangers faced during Gavin’s ceremonial first pitch.
His signing was a proud moment for the entire Fien family, especially his mother, Meghan Fien, who was in attendance for the event.
“It was a dream come true,” she shared with Patch. “Seeing one of my children reach such an incredible goal at such a young age left me speechless and emotional. I’ve always aimed to raise respectful, hardworking, God-fearing young men. Watching both of my sons chase their dreams and succeed like this is beyond anything I could’ve hoped for.”
Fien’s journey from the fields of Temecula to the big leagues is just beginning — but for the young infielder and those closest to him, the moment already feels larger than life.
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news in details ‘A Surreal Feeling’: Temecula’s Gavin Fien Signs with Texas Rangers After Being Drafted 12th Overall
TEMECULA, CA — A standout high school baseball player from the Temecula Valley is officially headed to the professional ranks. Gavin Fien, an 18-year-old shortstop from Great Oak High School, has signed his first Major League Baseball contract with the Texas Rangers, marking a monumental milestone in his young career and bringing pride to his community, family, and school.
Fien, selected 12th overall in the 2025 MLB First-Year Player Draft, agreed to a deal that includes a $4.8 million signing bonus, according to MLB.com. That figure puts him among the highest-paid high school draftees in the nation this year and signals the Rangers’ high level of belief in his future potential. After signing, Fien was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers’ game against the Oakland A’s on Tuesday — a symbolic and emotional start to his professional journey.
“Words can’t describe the feeling, honestly,” Fien told MLB shortly after signing. “It’s hard to wrap my head around being 18 years old and making this kind of leap. The hard work, the sacrifices, the grind over the years — it’s all been worth it. To join such a respected organization is just incredible. It’s a dream I’ll never forget.”
From Temecula to Texas: The Rise of Gavin Fien
Fien’s journey has been closely followed in Southern California, where he made headlines for his raw power, advanced plate discipline, and defensive versatility. A 6-foot-3 right-handed hitter, Fien emerged over the past year as one of the premier prep prospects in the country, showing elite bat speed and consistent line-drive contact during summer showcases and regular season play.
Though primarily a shortstop, Fien is projected by scouts to possibly move to third base due to his strong arm and frame. MLB analysts noted that while he has an unconventional stance at the plate — with high hands and a unique load — he consistently timed pitches well during showcase events. However, he did face some struggles this spring, occasionally appearing late on fastballs. Still, his improved strength and increasing physical maturity suggest more power could come as he grows into the pro game.
“He may not stay at shortstop,” MLB.com wrote, “but with his bat and arm strength, he projects well at third base or potentially a corner outfield or first base spot.”
His athleticism has improved, but running is not expected to be a major part of his future skill set. What has always stood out, however, is his bat — so much so that some teams considered drafting him solely for his offensive upside, regardless of position.
A Family Steeped in Baseball
Fien isn’t the only member of his family chasing Major League dreams. His older brother, Dylan Fien, a switch-hitting catcher, is currently in the Oakland A’s organization. In a storybook twist, Gavin threw out his ceremonial first pitch on Tuesday against his brother’s team, adding a personal and emotional touch to the celebration.
Their mother, Meghan Fien, was also in attendance, visibly moved by the occasion.
“It was a dream come true for me as a mom,” she told Patch. “To see one of my babies accomplish something so grand, and at such a young age, left me with tears in my eyes and a loss for words. I’ve always aimed to raise kind, dedicated, hardworking, respectful, loyal, and God-fearing young men. Watching that goal come together with their dreams has been nothing short of incredible.”
A widely respected family in the Temecula area, the Fien brothers are becoming an inspiration to aspiring athletes in the region. Gavin’s story — from hitting home runs at Great Oak High School to signing with one of baseball’s premier franchises — is one that coaches, parents, and players alike will talk about for years.
What’s Next for Gavin Fien?
Now officially a part of the Rangers organization, Fien will begin his professional development in the team’s minor league system. With his mix of raw tools, maturity beyond his years, and relentless work ethic, expectations are high that he could move through the system quickly — especially if his bat continues to progress.
Texas has been known to develop young infielders into elite players, and Fien could very well be the next to rise through their ranks. For now, though, he’ll be focused on adjusting to pro ball life — new routines, tougher pitching, and the mental grind of playing nearly every day.
But if his journey so far is any indication, Gavin Fien is more than ready for the challenge.
As he put it best: “It’s a surreal feeling — but this is only the beginning.”
