The 2025 MLB Draft packed plenty of excitement last week, with 615 picks made over just two days and the entire baseball world watching closely. The first day ended with a series of jaw-dropping moments at the very top of the draft board.
With the No. 1 overall pick, the Washington Nationals selected prep shortstop Eli Willits, in a move that turned heads around the league—not just because of Willits’ talent, but due to his lucrative $8.2 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a high school player, yet still under the slot value for the top pick. At No. 2, the Los Angeles Angels chose Tyler Bremner, a right-handed pitcher out of UC Santa Barbara, who signed for $7,689,525 despite a pick value of over $10.2 million. The Seattle Mariners were thrilled to land No. 1-ranked prospect Kade Anderson with the third pick, while Ethan Holliday made waves going fourth overall to the Colorado Rockies, joining the organization that once featured his famous father. Holliday was expected to go at No. 1, but the Nationals had other ideas.
While national headlines buzzed over the Washington Nationals’ top pick and the Angels’ bold move at No. 2, the community of Temecula rejoiced as Gavin Fien, a star infielder from Great Oak High School, was selected by the Texas Rangers with the 12th overall pick. Fien’s selection marks the highest-ever local MLB Draft pick, not only for a Great Oak athlete, but locally as well, and underscores the region’s continued growth as a hotbed for baseball talent.
An 18-year-old shortstop and University of Texas commit, Fien’s high school career was nothing short of impressive. Over four varsity seasons, he notched a .378 batting average, 12 home runs, 29 doubles, and 65 RBIs in 91 games. In his senior year alone, he hit .358 with five home runs and eight stolen bases, demonstrating remarkable discipline at the plate by drawing more walks (11) than strikeouts (9) in 30 games.
Fien’s influence stretched beyond local diamonds, too. He starred on the international stage, helping Team USA secure gold at the 2024 WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, contributing 11 RBIs and hitting .400 with a .429 on-base percentage across eight games. His all-around performance, both at home and abroad, made him one of the most coveted talents in this year’s draft.
Texas Rangers director of amateur scouting, Kip Fagg, emphasized how highly the organization valued Fien: “He’s a Team USA player, one of the better performers on the summer circuit, and I think this guy’s a plus-power, plus-hit player. We’re excited about the offensive potential and the defensive player. …He was up there with the elite guys in this Draft, for me and our group. We thought we got one of the better bats in this Draft.”
Fien’s selection also adds another chapter to the proud history of baseball at Great Oak High School, whose alumni now include 11 MLB draftees. Remarkably, Gavin joins his brother Dylan Fien on this list—Dylan was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the seventh round the previous year.
Mikey Romero, a native of Menifee, was the area’s only other top 25 first-round pick in recent years, selected 24th overall in the 2022 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. Formerly a standout at Vista Murrieta, before transferring to Orange Lutheran High School, Romero was known for his bat-to-ball skills and composure at shortstop, and ranked No. 65 on the MLB pre-draft board. He was originally committed to play college ball at LSU, but after being drafted by Boston, Romero chose to turn professional and launch his career in the Red Sox organization. Most recently, Braylon Doughty was selected in the first round (36th overall) of the 2024 MLB Draft by the Cleveland Guardians and is currently pitching in the minor leagues for the Lynchburg Hillcats (A level).
Southwest Riverside County celebrated another major achievement as Harrison Bodendorf, a Temecula Valley High School alum, heard his name called in the 10th round of the 2025 MLB Draft. Bodendorf, who transferred to Oklahoma State after two productive seasons at the University of Hawaii, became a breakout ace for the Cowboys this spring.
The left-hander posted a 10-1 record with a 3.30 ERA in 17 starts, striking out 102 over 92.2 innings and holding opponents to a .204 batting average. His standout performance included a memorable 10-inning, 10-strikeout complete game against Arizona— the longest outing by a Big 12 pitcher since 2009.
Drafted 312th overall by the Cleveland Guardians, Bodendorf impressed scouts with his polished arsenal, highlighted by a high-whiff changeup, sharp slider, and deceptive low-90s fastball. His steady mechanics and 30% strikeout rate in the Big 12 contributed to his pro-ready profile, and he was recognized as the Big 12 Co-Newcomer of the Year and an NCBWA Second-Team All-American. With a pending contract and a bright future, Bodendorf joins an impressive class of local draftees, and his journey through multiple colleges and standout collegiate stats serve as an inspiration for athletes throughout Temecula and all of Southwest Riverside County.
The Cleveland Guardians also tapped into Murrieta’s rich baseball tradition, selecting Vaughn Neckar from Vista Murrieta High School with the 612th overall pick in the 20th round. Neckar, a recent high school graduate and Oklahoma commit, boasts a big-league frame at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds. Though the official contract details are pending, late-round picks like Neckar often secure bonuses upward of $150,000, a strong incentive for talented prep arms to start their professional journey.
Neckar has long been regarded as one of the region’s most promising pitchers. Named Vista Murrieta High School’s 2025 Male Athlete of the Year, he even showcased his elite stuff on both local and international stages. His fastball consistently sits 93–95 mph and is complemented by a sharp slider, curveball, and changeup. In 2024, he represented the USA 18U National Team, helping secure a gold medal at the U-18 World Cup Americas with his powerful pitching. Neckar’s combination of physicality, advanced arsenal, and big-game experience provides Cleveland with another exciting projectable arm for their deep farm system.
Each club has until 5 p.m. ET on Monday, July 28, to come to terms with its Draft selections. If a player has exhausted his collegiate eligibility, he can sign up at any time until one week prior to the next year’s Draft.
But the draft isn’t the only way local stars are making the leap to professional baseball. After the completion of the draft, all 30 organizations are expected to sign undrafted players to free agent deals—often for up to $150,000, without counting toward a team’s draft bonus pool.
While these signings can fly under the radar, history shows that undrafted free agents can defy the odds and make major impacts at the highest level. Legendary MLB names like Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter, Kevin Mitchell, Dan Quisenberry, and others began their journeys as undrafted free agents, overcoming long odds, working their way through the minors, and ultimately leaving a mark on the game.
This year, the Los Angeles Angels scooped up a notable UDFA with strong Southwest Riverside County ties. LeTrey McCollum, a Vista Murrieta High School product who capped his collegiate career as the senior captain of the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos and a 2025 First Team All-Big West honoree. McCollum’s senior season was one for the record books: he hit .371 with six home runs, 40 RBIs, and 17 stolen bases, finishing the regular season on a 49-game hitting streak, the longest in Santa Barbara Baseball history.
At 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, McCollum blends size, speed, and elite bat-to-ball skills, posting an outstanding 87% overall contact rate and 94% in-zone contact rate. As a leadoff hitter, he brought excitement each game, highlighted by a historic walk-off home run on March 9 to complete UC Santa Barbara’s first cycle since 1997.
Also as a UDFA, the Texas Rangers took on another standout infielder from the area, Carter Garate, who just wrapped up his junior season at Oregon. Garate, who hails from Murrieta, was a member of the Murrieta Mesa Rams team that won a Southwestern League title in 2021. He was also a reliable presence for the Ducks, starting 115 games at third base over his career. His 2024 season was particularly notable, as he was named the Santa Barbara Regional MVP, leading Oregon to the Super Regionals.
Southwest Riverside County has become a hub for grooming baseball players who shine on the professional stage. Local high schools boast impressive track records, sending graduates to play in the MLB and beyond. Here’s a quick overview of how these schools are shaping the future of the sport.
Vista Murrieta has developed a strong baseball reputation, with Vaughn Neckar standing out recently as a gold medalist for Team USA’s 18U National Team and a 2025 MLB draft pick. Alumni like Brian Valenzuela, Ryan Lillie, Taylor Garrison, Ty Afenir, Trent Garrison, Jeff Moberg, Jake Moberg, and Shaine McNeely have showcased their talents at various Minor League levels. The Broncos’ consistent success reflects their robust player development programs.
The Nighthawks are well-represented at the professional level, with Patrick Wisdom making waves as a Chicago Cub up until last year and Tyler Wade showcasing his skills across multiple MLB teams and currently playing for the San Diego Padres. Kevin Padlo and Brandon Dixon have also reached the majors, highlighting the school’s ability to produce top-tier talent.
Murrieta Mesa broke ground with Andy Thomas, their first-ever MLB draft pick in 2021, selected by the Mariners in the fifth round. Thomas’ collegiate accolades, including All-American honors and being a Buster Posey Award finalist, and his role in the school’s 2016 CIF-SS Division 1 Championship team make him a standout figure in Rams’ history.
Temecula Valley has a legacy of producing MLB players like Reed Johnson, Brooks Pounders, and Steve Smyth, all of whom had impactful careers. Over the past five years TVHS has been prominent in the draft. Christopher Paciolla, drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2022, continues the Golden Bears’ tradition of excellence in player development as well as Adler Cecil (Padres), Woody Hadeen (drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2024, currently with High-A West Michigan Whitecaps), and Cole Urman (drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round in 2023, climbing through the minors as a catcher).
Chaparral High School in Temecula has a rich tradition of producing professional baseball talent. Notable alumni include Rob Brantly, who has enjoyed a successful professional career with teams like the Yankees and Marlins; Allen Craig, who appeared in two World Series and made key contributions at the highest level; and Shane Peterson, drafted in the second round of the 2008 MLB draft and had a consistent presence in professional baseball. Braylon Doughty is continuing the tradition, now pitching in the minors. The program’s reach extends further with Johnnie Lowe, drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 MLB draft; Brhet Bewley, taken in the 32nd round of the 2018 draft; and Justin Toerner, drafted in the 28th round of 2018—all of whom have pursued professional baseball careers and contributed to the legacy of Chaparral High School as a powerhouse for developing next-level talent.
Great Oak High School continues to make its mark on the baseball world with an impressive list of professional alumni. Carson Seymour made headlines with his MLB debut for the San Francisco Giants in 2025. Zach Arnold (Philadelphia Phillies organization) and Dylan Fien (Oakland Athletics system) are advancing at the professional level. The school’s extensive pro alumni group includes Trae Arbet (Pittsburgh Pirates), Austin Bailey (Kansas City Royals), Trevor Bayless (Oakland Athletics), Louis Cohen (professional career), Zach Jemiola (Colorado Rockies), Eli Lingos (Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies), Luke Persico (Oakland Athletics), Anthony Renteria (San Diego Padres), and Bradley Salgado (Chicago White Sox).
Linfield Christian may be smaller but has a significant impact, spotlighted by Rich Hunter’s MLB stint with the Phillies and a history of producing several MLB draft picks. Alumni like Kyle Kane, Tyler Baca and Taylor Bush reflect the school’s dedication to advancing athletes to the next level.
Corona High School, about 30 miles north, made national headlines with three first-round MLB picks in 2025: Seth Hernandez (Pirates), Billy Carlson (White Sox), and Brady Ebel (Brewers); the program’s history includes MLB talents like Joe Kelly (Dodgers), Tristan Beck (Giants), and Samad Taylor (Mariners, Royals), along with alumni Mike Darr, Isaiah Greene, Brian Rios, Randy Knoll, Sean Curran, Marty Wilkerson, Michael Hobbs and current MSJC head coach, Ed Hurtado.
As for our local 2025 guys, Gavin is currently in Texas this week, meeting with team officials to discuss and review his contract details. As of Monday, July 21, the California prep shortstop did agree to terms with the Rangers, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis. One of the best high school offensive packages in the Draft class, Fien reportedly signed for $4.8 million, making him the highest paid recruit to come out of our area, ever.
And for Harrison Bodendorf, Vaughn Neckar, LeTrey McCollum, and Carter Garate: As of now, none of these players have finalized their contracts (according to MLB.com). Their negotiations are ongoing or still in the preliminary stages, with no official signings to report.
We will continue to monitor these developments and update all news as it becomes available in the coming weeks.
Reporting sources include: MLB.com, BaseballAmerica.com, and D1Baseball.com. If we missed any names of past or present professional baseball players, please send an email to sports@reedermedia.com.
