The Texas Rangers have signed an 18-year-old shortstop from Great Oak High School. He also threw out the first pitch during Tuesday’s Rangers versus. Athletics game to commemorate that occasion.
In the 2025 MLB First-Year Player Draft, Gavin Fien was selected with the 12th overall pick. He inked a contract that includes a $4.8 million signing bonus, according to MLB.com, which gives the Rangers some more cash.
According to MLB News, the Texas Rangers have signed a standout high school shortstop from California who had previously committed to play college baseball at Texas. He’s known as one of the top young hitters in this year’s draft, with the kind of strong throwing arm that could make him a great fit at third base in the future.
Reflecting on the moment, the 18-year-old, Fien, shared how much it meant to him and his family. “It’s hard to put into words,” he told MLB. “Coming straight out of high school, it’s incredible to see all the hard work, the ups and downs, finally pay off. Being part of such a strong organization means so much to me, and I’m truly thankful.”
Fien is a 6-foot-3 right-handed batter with impressive bat speed. Scouts praised his ability to hit hard, consistent line drives even when facing top-tier competition throughout the summer.
“He made it work and was always on time despite having an unconventional setup with high hands, but this spring he struggled more to find his rhythm and was frequently late to the dish. MLB claims that he has acquired strength and that as he develops, he may get even more power. “Fien’s added physicality has allowed him to run better, though that’s never going to be a part of his game.”
According to MLB, “he has the chance to profile well at third base with plenty of arm now that he’s committed to Texas.” Although some clubs saw enough of him during the summer to perhaps select his bat in the first round, he might eventually finish up at first or in a corner outfield position.
He is a switch-hitting catcher who is going to the major leagues with his brother, Dylan Fien. Dylan now plays for the A’s, who his new team faced on Tuesday night.
It was his mother, Meghan Fien, who traveled to see her son sign.
“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 explained to Patch. “I always wanted to raise young men who were God-fearing, kind, devoted, diligent, courteous, and loyal. I am very proud to have witnessed that aim of mine intersect with both of their ambitions; it has been genuinely amazing.”