Rangers agree to terms with 4 MLB Draft picks, including team's first-rounder

On Tuesday, the Texas Rangers announced the signings of four of their draftees from the 2025 MLB Draft class, including their 12th overall selection Gavin Fien.

Among Fien, the Rangers agreed to deals with fourth-rounder Mason McConnaughey, fifth-rounder Ben Abeldt and 18th-rounder Julius Sanchez. Fien, McConnaughey and Abeldt signed below their projected slot value.

Gavin Fien introduced to Rangers' fans this week

At $4.8 million (5.7 million value), Fien was introduced at a press conference before Tuesday evening's game against the Athletics and was then able to take batting practice on the field with his now organization-mates.

Fien, 18, became just the second Rangers since 2018 to be drafted out of high school in the first round of the draft. Ever year between 2018-2025, Texas went the collegiate route beginning with Josh Jung in 2019.

The shortstop from Great Oak High School in Califonia was committed to play at the University of Texas next season, instead signs a multi-million dollar deal to be a pro ballplayer. During his senior year he hit .358 with 5 home runs, 6 doubles and 24 runs scored in 30 games.

Texas is particularly excited to have Fien as part of the organization, after the selection last week the Rangers' director of amateur scouting Kip Fagg recalled.

"We have extensive history with Gavin, our whole staff," he said. "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."

Rangers make three other draftee signings official

Texas also added the three other MLB Draft picks, including the TCU and McKinney product left-hander Ben Abedlt. He signed with Texas on a reported $450,000 while his bonus was slotted around $489,200.

Abedlt underwent Tommy John Surgery in 2025, performed by Rangers' team doctor, but in 25 games in 2024 he led the Horned Frogs pitching staff with a 1.83 ERA, 54 strikeouts and 8 saves in 44 1/3 innings of work.

McConnaughey also suffered a season-ending injury this spring but was had a terrific 2024 season where he went 9-3 with a 3.45 ERA and was selected as member of the second-team All-Big Ten team. He to signed for underslot value at $495,825.

Sanchez rounds out the bunch. The right-hander from Illinois only appeared in 16 innings this year for the Illini, striking out 17 batters and issuing three walks. In his three years, he went 2-5 with a 6.58 ERA in 29 games.