Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, delivered an electrifying rookie campaign in 2024.
The former LSU ace quickly proved his worth, finishing the season with an 11-3 record, a remarkable 1.96 ERA across 23 starts, and a starting nod for the National League in the All-Star Game. Along the way, he earned NL Rookie of the Year honors and was a finalist for the prestigious Cy Young Award.
However, it is perhaps his relationship with LSU gymnast, Olivia Dunne, which has made him even more famous.
Yet he credits his girlfriend for helping him navigate the pressures of success.
“She experienced this kind of attention before I did, so she’s been a big help,” he said, adding that they support each other in balancing their demanding schedules.
Those schedules regularly come into conflict with each other, and Skenes has admitted that the long-distance aspect of their romance is difficult to handle.
“It’s just tough because my girlfriend is in school and I’m trying to spend as much time with her as possible.”
Awards aren’t everything for Skenes
Reflecting on his NL Rookie of the Year win, Skenes expressed appreciation for the recognition but remained modest.
“It’s cool to have that experience and the hardware that comes with it,” he said.
However, he emphasized the depth of the rookie class, highlighting players like Masyn Winn of the Cardinals, who also made a significant impact.
Being a Cy Young finalist held deeper significance for Skenes.
“It’s meaningful because it’s all the pitchers in the league,” Skenes continued. “That consistency is something I strive for every outing.
“The awards are nice, but they’re not why I play the game. If you don’t execute and compete, none of that matters.”
Skenes is committed to staying prepared for 2025. “I took three weeks off to rest and even had a short trip to Florida,” he said, though his training remains a top priority.
Despite a promising 2024 campaign, the Pirates fell short of a playoff berth after a tough August. Skenes believes the team is ready to turn the page.
“That stretch left a bad taste in our mouths, but we’ve learned from it. The talent is here, and with better self-awareness, we can win consistently,” he concluded.
