How did the Texas Rangers do in the first three rounds of the 2025 MLB Draft?

The first three rounds in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft is over and the Texas Rangers have some of the potential future of their organization.

The Rangers defied Chris Young's tradition of college players and grabbed prep shortstop Gavin Fien, which was the team's first high school first-round draft selection since Cole Winn in 2018. The following two rounds, Texas grabbed Tennessee right-hander AJ Russell and high school two-way player Josh Owens.

For those who couldn't follow along with the first three rounds of the draft on Sunday, here is a recap of who the Rangers selected and overall thoughts on the picks.

Grading the first 3 Texas Rangers' 2025 MLB Draft picks

Round 1, Pick 12: Gavin Fien, SS, Great Oaks HS (CA)

Grade: B

Fien, 18, was one of many shortstops to be taken throughout the first-round and to some surprise the Rangers decided to go with the California shortstop with other names on the board.

The six-foot-3 infielder, Fien grades out as a 50 prospect with a quick bat and quick hands to provide a lot of line drive potential. His 200-pound frame could also help grow the power over time. As a high schooler, he hit for a .378 average in 91 games dating back to his freshman year.

Fien still provides plenty of opportunity for growth and could potentially join Sebastian Walcott in on the left side of the infield. While he is not going necessarily going to rocket up the rankings in the same fashion Walcott did, it gives Texas long-term options in mutiple positions.

Round 2, Pick 52: AJ Russell, RHP, Tennessee

Grade: C+

Russell has a lot of upside that doesn't accurately reflect his collegiate stats. Mainly a reliever, he has flashed his 70 grade fastball, 60 grade slider and 40 grade changeup in his three years at Tennessee.

During his sophomore season, he had internal brace surgery, which is a modified Tommy John with the goal of a faster return to play. He did just that logging 25 1/3 innings for the Vols this spring. With more innings, he could make his case for a role as a starter.

This is very much a projection pick here by Young and the Rangers that has a relatively high floor. Russell can easilt develop into a starter if his stuff develops and is given ample time to. If not, he is a reliever with two high grade pitches that provide a solid floor for the future.

Round 3, Pick 84: Josh Owens, INF/RHP, Providence HS (TN)

Grade: C

Move over Shohei Ohtani, the Texas Rangers now have a United States version of you. In all seriousness, the Rangers decided to take a two-way player from high school with their third round selection.

The six-foot-three Georgia Southern commit is likely trending to more a position player as the 18-year-old has a 60 grade arm and 70 grade run but is still yet trying to develop his power at the plate. As for his work on the mound he can run up the fastball to 92 mph so if he does find MLB innings he will likely do so as a reliever.

The potential of him being the next Ohtani is unlikely to actually happen but he could develop into a solid utility player or full-time outfielder with not only the plus-speed but also the plus-arm. The Rangers will just need to be patient with the 18-year-old.