TEMECULA – The 2025 MLB Draft brought excitement, surprises and milestones for Southern California baseball. Among the highlights was the historic first-round selection of Great Oak High School’s Gavin Fien, chosen 12th overall by the Texas Rangers. His pick made him the highest draft selection in Southwest Riverside County history. Alongside other standout performances, Fien’s achievement solidified the region’s status as a powerhouse for developing baseball talent.
Gavin Fien’s Path to the First Round
Fien’s rise to the first round caps an outstanding high school career. The hard-hitting infielder delivered a .358 batting average, five home runs and 16 RBIs in his senior season at Great Oak High. His impact extended beyond high school, as he excelled for Team USA, hitting .400 during the 18U World Cup qualifiers and earning MVP honors at the MLB High School All-American Game.
Athleticism runs deep in the Fien family. Gavin’s father, Ryan Fien, was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1996 and played quarterback for UCLA and the University of Idaho. This legacy of excellence shaped Gavin’s approach to the game. “I just like to go out there and compete. Love hitting and stuff. That’s kind of my thing,” he said earlier this year.
Fien credits his work ethic to his older brother, Dylan, currently playing in the Oakland Athletics system. “Seeing my brother’s commitment to grinding every day drives me to do the same,” he said.
Draft night was a family affair, with loved ones gathering at his father’s home to await the life-changing call. “Having two sons playing professional baseball is truly special. We’re so proud of Gavin and can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes him,” said his mother, Meghan Fien.
Fien’s No. 12 draft position comes with an estimated slot value of $5,746,800, according to MLB.com. Although his contract has not yet been finalized, the Texas Rangers organization is full of optimism. “He’s got elite exit velocities and incredible offensive potential,” said Kip Fagg, the Rangers’ director of amateur scouting.
But the local pipeline isn’t just about new faces. It’s about a steady flow of homegrown talent progressing through professional ranks:
Mikey Romero (Menifee) – The 2022 first-round pick by the Red Sox is now a key infield prospect for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs, establishing himself in one of pro baseball’s most competitive farm systems.
Woody Hadeen (Temecula Valley High School) – After starring at UC Irvine, Hadeen was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2024 and is currently making an impact with the High-A West Michigan Whitecaps, showing off his versatility and base-stealing ability.
Christopher Paciolla (Temecula Valley High) – Drafted by the Cubs in the third round of 2022, Paciolla is continuing his journey through the Chicago system with the ACL Cubs affiliate.
Zach Arnold (Great Oak High / Temecula) – Drafted by the Phillies in 2023, Arnold now suits up for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A, Philadelphia Phillies), further strengthening Temecula’s representation in the minors.
Cole Urman (Temecula Valley High) – Selected in the 16th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2023, Urman is working his way up through Baltimore’s minor league catching system.
Carson Seymour (Great Oak High / Temecula) – After a standout college career and steady rise through the minors, Seymour recently made his MLB debut with the San Francisco Giants—an inspiring leap from Temecula ball fields to the big leagues.
Tyler Wade (Murrieta Valley High School) – A veteran infielder celebrated for his versatility and leadership, Wade earned a spot on the San Diego Padres’ 2025 Opening Day roster and brings championship-level experience to his hometown region.
This ongoing wave of talent includes emerging pro Adler Cecil—another Temecula Valley High product—who, despite being on the full-season injured list in 2025, continues to represent the area’s promise and potential in the professional ranks. Temecula Valley’s Reed Johnson remains a standard-bearer for local achievement with an impressive MLB tenure, while up-and-coming names like Romero, Hadeen, and Arnold keep adding new energy and excitement to the SoCal baseball story. Other local former professional names include Jimmie Sherfy, Fernando Cortez, Rich Hunter, Kyle Cane and Brooks Pounders just to name a few.
Corona High Makes MLB Draft History
While Fien achieved individual history, Corona High School etched its name in the MLB Draft record books. For the first time in draft history, three players from a single high school were selected in the first round.
Seth Hernandez (No. 6, Pittsburgh Pirates): The Vanderbilt commit impressed with a mid-90s fastball and strong command, projecting as a potential ace for the Pirates.
Billy Carlson (No. 10, Chicago White Sox): A slick-fielding shortstop and Tennessee commit, Carlson’s defensive instincts and growing offensive potential stood out.
Brady Ebel (No. 32, Milwaukee Brewers): Known for his high baseball IQ and versatile skill set, Ebel solidified his status as a first-round talent.
This trio’s achievement follows Corona’s dominant 28–3 season. The program’s legacy as a powerhouse goes back decades, with a roster of notable alumni who have left their mark on professional baseball. Among its most recognized graduates is former Dodgers pitcher and World Series champion Joe Kelly, known for his electric arm and competitive spirit. The school has also produced Tristan Beck, now pitching for the San Francisco Giants, and Samad Taylor, who played for the Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals.
Other MLB alumni from Corona include Mike Darr, Isaiah Greene, Brian Rios, Randy Knoll, Sean Curran, Marty Wilkerson, and Michael Hobbs, each contributing to the school’s reputation for producing big-league talent. Additionally, current Mt. San Jacinto College head baseball coach Ed Hurtado—drafted by the Angels in 1998—is a Corona High product.
Head coach Andy Wise credits the team’s success to a focus on mental preparation. “The mental side of the game is just as crucial as the physical,” Wise said. He notes that strong mentorship and targeted mental training are pillars of Corona’s sustained excellence.
“We emphasize preparation—both mentally and physically—and that’s what sets our program apart,” Wise added.
Southern California Spotlight
The draft further underscored Southern California’s role as a hotbed of talent. Alongside Fien and Corona High’s trio were standout national prospects with family legacies in baseball.
Eli Willits (No. 1, Washington Nationals): At just 17, Willits became one of the youngest top picks since Ken Griffey Jr. The standout shortstop from Fort Cobb-Broxton High School in Oklahoma is the son of former major leaguer Reggie Willits, who played six seasons with the Los Angeles Angels and later coached with the New York Yankees.
Ethan Holliday (No. 4, Colorado Rockies): Younger brother of Orioles star Jackson Holliday and son of MLB legend Matt Holliday, Ethan demonstrated five-tool potential.
For players like Fien, Willits and Holiday, these connections highlight the role of family support in reaching the pros.
“It’s inspiring to follow in my brother’s footsteps. I’ve learned so much from him,” Fien said.
Baseball’s Legacy of Family Ties
The 2025 MLB Draft also celebrated baseball’s storied tradition of family connections, with the Holidays and Fien’s among numerous sibling duos making an impact on the sport. Across Major League Baseball, notable brother pairings include Bo and Josh Naylor, Edwin and Alexis Diaz, Nick and Phil Maton, Julio and Luis Urias, William and Willson Contreras, Taylor and Tyler Rogers, Aaron and Austin Nola, and Yuli and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
These bonds exemplify how baseball legacies and sibling rivalries inspire young athletes to chase their dreams, reminding fans that the game is often a family affair as much as it is a professional pursuit.
What’s Next
With Day 1 of the draft complete, rounds 4–20 continued Monday, July 14, and fans were also able to look forward to the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15, celebrating the game’s stars and emerging talents. A complete draft recap of all locals selected in this year’s draft will be highlighted in next week’s issue.
From Gavin Fien’s historic draft moment to Corona High’s groundbreaking achievements, the 2025 MLB Draft highlighted Southern California’s unmatched ability to nurture baseball excellence. Through hard work, resilience and strong community support, this year’s draftees carry forward the region’s enduring legacy as a cradle for the sport’s future stars.
Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.
