University of Virginia's Eric Becker drafted by Reds
Eric Becker. (University of Virginia photo)
By
University of Virginia, Press Release
University of Virginia juniors AJ Gracia and Eric Becker were both selected on the first day of the 2026 MLB Draft.
Gracia, an outfielder, was picked ninth overall by the Atlanta Braves in the first round, while Becker was taken 58th overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the second round.
A three-year starter for Virginia, Becker will leave Grounds owning a career batting average of .348 (177-for-508) with 24 home runs, 46 doubles and 140 RBIs in 141 games played.
The shortstop was hit by 40 pitches over the course of his career, which is the second-most in program history. Becker was also named to the third-team All-ACC twice and was a member of the 2025 USA Baseball National Collegiate Team.