Temecula’s Gavin Fien is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of the 2025 MLB Draft. The Texas commit has skyrocketed up draft boards with his rare combination of power hitting and defensive versatility, drawing comparisons to his brother Dylan who was drafted by the Athletics in 2024.

Standing at 6’3″ with a polished offensive approach, Fien has impressed scouts with his ability to play multiple infield positions. His MVP performance at the MLB High School All-American Game cemented his status as a potential first-round pick.

With teams like the Phillies and Red Sox reportedly interested, the question isn’t if Fien will be drafted – but how high his immense potential will take him in the selection process.

Gavin Fien MLB Draft 2025: Texas Commit Emerges as Top Prospect Following Brother’s Legacy

Why Gavin Fien Is Drawing First-Round Attention for the 2025 MLB Draft

Temecula’s Gavin Fien has rapidly ascended draft boards as one of California’s most intriguing prep prospects. The Texas Longhorns commit possesses a rare combination of size (6’3″, 200 lbs), defensive versatility, and offensive upside that has scouts from at least 10 MLB organizations regularly attending his games. His performance at the MLB High School All-American Game, where he earned MVP honors, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.

What separates Fien from many high school bats is his advanced plate approach. While most prep hitters feast on fastballs, Fien demonstrates unusual patience and the ability to handle quality breaking pitches. His power potential is evident with exit velocities consistently above 100 mph, rare for a player his age.

Key tools that impress scouts:

• 60-grade hit tool (on 20-80 scouting scale)
• 55-grade raw power with projection for more
• Above-average arm strength (88 mph infield velocity)
• Defensive versatility at SS/3B/OF
• Baseball IQ from growing up in a baseball family

The fact that Fien maintains such advanced strike zone judgment while still tapping into his raw power makes him a unicorn among high school hitters. Most players his age are either contact-first or all-or-nothing swingers.

The Dylan Fien Connection: How Gavin’s Brother Paved the Way

Gavin’s path to draft prominence bears similarities to his brother Dylan, who was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 7th round of the 2024 MLB Draft. However, scouts universally agree Gavin possesses higher upside with his more projectable frame and superior athleticism.

Both brothers emerged from Great Oak High School in Temecula, but their developmental arcs differ. Dylan was more of a late bloomer, while Gavin has been on scouts’ radars since his sophomore year. The family’s baseball background (their father coached professionally in Japan) has clearly influenced both players’ advanced approaches to the game.

Brotherly comparison at same stage:

Having a brother who recently went through the draft process gives Gavin invaluable insight. He knows exactly what to expect from team interviews, showcases, and the grueling pre-draft workout circuit.

Defensive Versatility: Why Third Base Might Be Fien’s MLB Future

While Gavin Fien has primarily played shortstop in high school, most evaluators project him as a third baseman long-term. At 6’3″ with continued physical maturation expected, his size and arm strength (88 mph across the infield) profile perfectly at the hot corner.

Still, his experience at shortstop provides valuable defensive fundamentals. Fien’s footwork and first-step quickness would rank above average for third base, giving him gold-glove potential at the position. Scouts note his ability to make the slow roller play and handle balls down the line with equal competence.

Reasons teams view him as a future 3B:

• Projected physical growth may reduce shortstop range
• Arm strength plays better at third
• Punishes mistakes better from left side of plate (natural for 3B)
• Current MLB trend favors power bats at corner positions

MLB Team Fits: Which Organizations Are Most Likely to Draft Fien?

Multiple teams picking in the first round have been connected to Gavin Fien through various reports and mock drafts. The Texas Rangers (pick #12), Philadelphia Phillies (#26), and Boston Red Sox (via trade speculation) appear most prominently linked to the Temecula standout.

Boston’s interest is particularly noteworthy, as ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel reported they may view Fien as a potential long-term replacement for Alex Bregman should the veteran third baseman depart in free agency. The Red Sox have historically valued high-upside prep bats with advanced offensive approaches.

Top potential landing spots:

• Texas Rangers (#12) – Local connection and need for infield depth
• Philadelphia Phillies (#26) – History of drafting polished hitters
• Boston Red Sox – Potential trade-up candidate; love athletic infielders
• Miami Marlins (#7) – Dark horse option if they want to save slot money
• Los Angeles Dodgers (#40) – Unlikely but could pounce if he falls

The Rangers make the most sense from a value perspective at #12, but don’t sleep on Philadelphia. Their recent success developing Bryson Stott could make them more willing to take a polished prep infielder.

Texas Longhorns Fallback: What If Fien Chooses College?

Committed to the University of Texas, Gavin Fien has an excellent collegiate option should he decide against signing with an MLB team. The Longhorns have developed numerous infielders into top draft picks recently, including 2024 first-rounder Max Belyeu.

Texas offers Fien the opportunity to refine his skills against top-tier NCAA competition while potentially raising his draft stock even higher. The Longhorns’ coaching staff has proven ability to develop both the offensive and defensive aspects of infield prospects. Their track record with two-way players could also appeal to Fien, who has pitching ability as well.

Pros of attending Texas:

• Face elite college pitching to refine approach
• Work with renowned infield coach Troy Tulowitzki
• Potential to play in Omaha (College World Series)
• Opportunity to add strength in structured program
• Could become 2028 draft’s top college bat if development goes well

Draft Outlook: Floor, Ceiling and Realistic Expectations

Evaluators differ slightly on Gavin Fien’s ultimate draft position, but consensus places him somewhere between picks 10-25. His advanced bat and defensive versatility provide a relatively high floor, while his physical projection offers considerable upside.

The biggest variables affecting his draft position include:

• Signability: How firm is his bonus demand?
• Medical reports: Any red flags in pre-draft physicals?
• Team preferences: Organizations favoring college players may pass
• Workouts: Private sessions can elevate or hurt stock

Player comparisons from scouts: