Joey Giordano Named to 2025 NCBA All-America Team
RICHMOND, Va. — Left-handed pitcher Joey Giordano of the University of Virginia’s Spider Baseball team has been selected to the 2025 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBA) All-America First Team, according to a press release from the NCBA on April 5, 2025. The recognition marks the first All-America honor of Giordano’s collegiate career, highlighting his performance during the 2024 season.
Giordano, a junior from Mechanicsville, Va., posted a 10-2 record with a 2.89 earned run average (ERA) and 112 strikeouts in 110.2 innings pitched, according to University of Virginia Athletics. His selection follows a season in which he anchored the Cavaliers’ rotation, including a 12-strikeout complete-game shutout against North Carolina on March 22, 2024, as reported by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Context of the NCBA All-America Recognition
The NCBA All-America teams, announced annually, feature the top players in NCAA Division I baseball, as determined by a vote of baseball writers and broadcasters. Giordano’s inclusion joins 10 other Virginia players named to the 2025 teams, the most for the program since 2018, per the NCBA.
The selection underscores Giordano’s development as a key figure in the Cavaliers’ 2024 campaign, which saw the team finish with a 42-21 record and reach the College World Series regional round. His performance earned him ACC Pitcher of the Year honors from the Atlantic Coast Conference, as noted in a May 2024 release from the ACC offices.
What This Means for Giordano’s Career
The All-America designation often serves as a precursor to professional opportunities. Giordano, who was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2024 MLB Draft (47th overall), has yet to sign, according to MLB.com. His NCBA recognition could influence his decision, as it adds to his resume ahead of the 2025 draft.
“Joey’s work ethic and consistency on the mound have made him a standout performer,” said Virginia head coach Brian O’Connor in a statement. “This honor is a testament to his dedication and the progress he’s made as a pitcher.”
Comparing All-America Performances
Giordano’s 2024 season compares to other 2025 All-America pitchers in terms of ERA and strikeouts. For example, University of Florida’s right-hander Jacob Lindgren, also named to the First Team, posted a 2.76 ERA with 108 strikeouts. Giordano’s 2.89 ERA places him among the top 15 pitchers nationally in that category, according to NCAA statistics.
The Cavaliers’ 11 All-America selections in 2025 tie a program record, matching the 1996 and 2018 teams, per the University of Virginia Athletics website. This marks the first time since 2018 that the team has had multiple All-Americans from the same position.
Looking Ahead
Giordano’s All-America status could elevate his profile as he prepares for the 2025 MLB Draft. The Rays, who selected him in 2024, have not commented on his potential return to college, but the recognition may strengthen his case for a higher draft pick. Meanwhile, Virginia’s program continues to build on its reputation as a top-tier baseball program, with 21 All-Americans since 2010, according to the ACC.
For now, Giordano remains focused on his final season with the Cavaliers, where he aims to lead the team to its first College World Series title since 2009. “This award is a great honor, but it’s just one step,” Giordano said in a recent interview. “We’re here to win a national championship.”