CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW): Virginia Baseball has its first two new players, and possibly a third, under new head coach Chris Pollard. Star outfielder AJ Gracia and two-way talent Kyle Johnson have both committed to playing for the University of Virginia. 

The announcement of the former Duke skipper electing to lead Virginia has motivated several of his former players for a 2025 Regional-winning Blue Devil squad to enter the portal.  Most of them have Do-Not-Contact tags applied to their profiles, meaning that they have likely entered the portal with an intended destination in mind.  Right-handed starter Gabe Nard and slugging catcher Macon Winslow both have tags in the portal and would both fill needs for the Cavaliers. 

Outfielder Gracia hit .293 for the Blue Devils in 2025, leading the team in walks with 57, and boasted an impressive on base percentage of about .449.  He brings speed, defense, and a powerful bat to a Disharoon outfield that will sorely miss Aidan Teel.   

Two-way pitcher and outfielder Johnson had a rough year at the plate and on the mound, slashing .220 at the plate and pitching to a 7.19 ERA.  However, he was excellent in the postseason and still shows plenty of upside for the rest of his collegiate career.  Johnson’s flexibility and powerful arsenal will likely be the necessary replacement for the departing lefthanders Evan Blanco and Bradley Hodges.  He was named to the 2025 John Olereud award watchlist.   

Promising high-school prospect Jayden Stroman has also provisionally committed to playing for UVA.  The younger brother of MLB hurler Marcus Stroman, who plays middle infield, outfield, and pitcher made the announcement on his Instagram.  He was originally set to play for Duke, but he may yet go pro with his entrance to the MLB draft set.