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University of Virginia Today
By the People, for the People
Top MLB Draft Prospect A.J. Gracia Shines in Virginia Opener
Cavaliers outfielder showcases elite skills and mental toughness in season debut
Published on Feb. 13, 2026
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A.J. Gracia, a standout outfielder and top prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft, debuted this season with the University of Virginia Cavaliers. Known for his exceptional skills and mental fortitude, Gracia and his teammates hosted Wagner in an opening doubleheader, kicking off a season filled with high expectations.
Why it matters
Gracia's mix of athletic ability and baseball intelligence has put him in conversation as a potential top five pick in the upcoming draft, highlighting the impact he could have in collegiate baseball and beyond. His performance will be closely watched by MLB scouts as he aims to lead Virginia to a successful season and potential College World Series run.
The details
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 195 pounds, the Monroe, New Jersey native transferred from Duke and quickly established himself as a key player for Virginia. Gracia's sharp defense and offensive discipline have been vital to his success, with Virginia's head coach Chris Pollard praising his emotional discipline, steady approach, and exceptional route-running in the outfield.
- The opening doubleheader against Wagner took place on March 1 at Disharoon Park in Charlottesville.
- The series finale against Wagner, originally scheduled for Sunday, has been rescheduled to the second game of Saturday's doubleheader due to rain in the forecast.
The players
A.J. Gracia
A standout outfielder and top prospect for the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, who transferred from Duke to the University of Virginia.
Chris Pollard
The head coach of the University of Virginia Cavaliers, who previously led the Duke baseball program.
What they’re saying
“From a mentality standpoint, A.J. is the most consistent human being that I know, that I've ever been around. At 51 years old, I would love to be as emotionally regulated as he is. We call it being the same guy every day.”
— Chris Pollard, Head Coach, University of Virginia Cavaliers (theconwaybulletin.com)
“He's an incredible route-runner in the outfield. For old-school baseball fans, he's a Jim Edmonds-type center fielder. He's not a six-four runner like some other guys that play the position, that just try to outrun the baseball to the spot. He gets great jumps. He runs really direct routes.”
— Chris Pollard, Head Coach, University of Virginia Cavaliers (theconwaybulletin.com)
“Offensively, it's the best eye discipline. It's the best zone discipline that I've ever coached. He is always going to be around a 12-, 13-percent chase rate or better. You just can't get him to leave the zone. He just refuses. If you don't give him his pitch, he'll just take his base and go be disruptive on the bags, and so he's special in that regard.”
— Chris Pollard, Head Coach, University of Virginia Cavaliers (theconwaybulletin.com)
“I'm just a pretty process-oriented person. I think one thing I've really taken away from Coach Pollard and my time being with him is that he preaches being the same guy every day. That's something I've really taken to heart since I've been in college. I think that's something that really helped me kind of get through [early season] that.”
— A.J. Gracia (theconwaybulletin.com)
“It's really different than what I've been used to. It's just a really special place and I'm definitely humble and grateful to be here. It's really cool not having to leave the stadium, that's something I wasn't really used to. It's definitely a lot easier for the player here.”
— A.J. Gracia (theconwaybulletin.com)
What’s next
The culmination of the team's efforts begins at home with Virginia's opening games against Wagner, beginning March 1 at The Dish.
The takeaway
Gracia's exceptional skills, mental fortitude, and disciplined approach have made him a top MLB Draft prospect, and his performance with the Virginia Cavaliers will be closely watched by scouts as he aims to lead the team to a successful season and potential College World Series run.
