Notre Dame baseball’s 2025 season saw flashes of brilliance, team growth, and individual excellence—and nowhere was that more evident than in the All-ACC postseason honors. As the dust settled on another competitive Atlantic Coast Conference season, four Fighting Irish standouts earned recognition for their outstanding play this spring. The group was headlined by a first-team selection, a testament to the high level of talent Notre Dame continues to develop within its program.
This season, the Fighting Irish faced a rigorous slate of opponents and dealt with the usual highs and lows of ACC competition. While the team didn’t finish at the top of the standings, the individual accolades speak volumes about the impact several players had—not just on their own squad but across the entire conference. The recognition these four players received underscores the skill, perseverance, and leadership that defined their 2025 campaigns.
The lone first-team All-ACC selection for Notre Dame was junior outfielder Carter Putz, who emerged as the team’s offensive catalyst and one of the most consistent hitters in the league. Putz was a menace at the plate all spring, compiling a .368 batting average, a .460 on-base percentage, and 15 home runs. His knack for delivering in clutch situations, particularly against top-tier pitching, earned him widespread respect across the conference. Whether it was a two-out RBI single or a towering home run to swing momentum, Putz proved time and again that he was the backbone of Notre Dame’s lineup.
Beyond his offensive production, Putz was also a defensive asset. He patrolled center field with confidence and agility, making several highlight-reel catches that saved runs and energized his team. His leadership was also invaluable—both in the clubhouse and on the field. Head coach Shawn Stiffler frequently praised Putz for his maturity and work ethic, noting that his presence raised the standard for the entire roster. That blend of production and poise made his selection to the first team a virtual lock.
Joining Putz among the All-ACC honorees were three other Notre Dame players, each of whom carved out a significant role this season and were rewarded with second or third-team distinctions. Junior left-hander Jackson Kline earned second-team All-ACC honors following a dominant year on the mound. Kline posted a 2.79 ERA across 13 starts, notching 101 strikeouts in 87 innings while limiting opponents to a .213 batting average. His fastball-slider combination confounded hitters, and he often pitched deep into games, giving the bullpen valuable rest.
Kline’s standout moment came in a road win over then-No. 7 North Carolina, where he tossed eight shutout innings and struck out 11. That performance cemented his status as a true ace and served as a confidence booster for the team heading into the second half of conference play. His growth from a solid contributor into a frontline starter was one of the biggest developments for Notre Dame this season.
Also receiving recognition was sophomore catcher Ben Sweeney, who earned third-team All-ACC honors thanks to his emergence as one of the best two-way backstops in the league. Sweeney was a steadying force behind the plate, working well with the pitching staff while throwing out 14 attempted base stealers—good for second in the conference. Offensively, he hit .305 with 9 home runs and 42 RBIs. His improved plate discipline and ability to drive the ball to all fields added an extra dimension to Notre Dame’s offense.
Sweeney’s efforts weren’t just appreciated by his teammates—he drew praise from opposing coaches as well. His ability to control the tempo of a game and frame pitches effectively made a noticeable impact throughout the season. For a sophomore to earn such high praise and postseason recognition speaks volumes about his potential. The Irish coaching staff is undoubtedly excited about his continued development.
Rounding out the quartet of Notre Dame honorees was graduate transfer infielder Nate LeClair, who also made the third team. LeClair’s veteran presence and versatility made him an invaluable piece of the Irish infield. Playing primarily at second base, he committed just two errors all season and posted a .987 fielding percentage. At the plate, LeClair was the quintessential table-setter, batting .319 with 23 doubles, 3 triples, and a .402 on-base percentage. His ability to spark rallies and manufacture runs from the top of the order was critical to Notre Dame’s success in tight games.
LeClair’s addition from the transfer portal proved to be one of the savviest moves of the offseason for the Irish coaching staff. His leadership, much like Putz’s, was a stabilizing force for a relatively young team. He brought a quiet intensity to every game and led by example, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike.
While the team fell short of making a deep postseason run, these individual honors highlight the bright spots of an otherwise up-and-down season. For Notre Dame, the presence of four All-ACC players—one on the first team and three more scattered across the second and third teams—serves as validation that the program is recruiting, developing, and showcasing high-level talent on a national stage.
More importantly, these awards reflect a foundation upon which future success can be built. With Putz likely to explore professional opportunities and LeClair graduating, the leadership baton will be passed to emerging stars like Sweeney and Kline. The experience and confidence they’ve gained this season, paired with the recognition of their accomplishments, should position Notre Dame well heading into next year.
For Coach Stiffler and his staff, the challenge will be sustaining this momentum and turning individual honors into team success. But if this season’s All-ACC selections are any indication, Notre Dame baseball is heading in the right direction. The program is beginning to find a rhythm within the competitive ACC landscape, and the achievements of Putz, Kline, Sweeney, and LeClair are proof that the Irish are not only producing talent but elevating it to elite levels.
