Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Virginia baseball’s AJ Gracia was named a First Team Preseason All-American and to the Preseason College Player of the Year Watch List by Baseball America, when the publication announced its selections on Tuesday. In addition, Eric Becker was also named to Baseball America’s Preseason Player of the Year Watch List.

Baseball America’s Preseason All-America teams were selected by major league scouting directors. 

Gracia, who played the 2025 season at Duke, started all 60 games for the Blue Devils. The outfielder batted .293 (63 for 215) with ten doubles, one triple, 15 home runs and 54 RBIs. In his final campaign with the Blue Devils, he set the program record for walks in a season with 57.

Before arriving on Grounds, Gracia was named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team that competed in the 45th USA vs. Japan All-Star Series over the summer. 

Becker was one of four Cavaliers to play in all 50 games during the 2025 campaign. He landed Third Team All-ACC honors while leading UVA in batting average (.368), runs (54), RBIs (52), doubles (21) and total bases (124). Becker’s batting average of .368 ranked the sophomore eighth in the league while his doubles (21) placed him second among all ACC hitters.

During the summer, Becker was also a member of the USA Collegiate National Team that competed in the USA vs. Japan All-Star Series.

Headlined by Gracia, a three-time Preseason All-American, and Becker, the Chris Pollard Era of Virginia Baseball begins on Friday, Feb. 13, against Wagner.

UVA PRESEASON ALL-AMERICANS 

OF AJ Gracia – D1 Baseball (First Team), Baseball America (First Team), Perfect Game (Second Team)

INF Eric Becker – Perfect Game (Second Team)