Paul Skenes is a professional baseball pitcher who has quickly risen to prominence in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Known for his exceptional talent and dedication, Skenes has become a household name among baseball fans. Below, we delve into his personal life, career, achievements, and more.
Paul Skenes’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul David Skenes |
| Nickname | Paul Skenes |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 2002 |
| Age | 22 years |
| Place of Birth | Fullerton, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| College | Air Force Academy, LSU |
| Profession | MLB Pitcher |
| MLB Debut | May 11, 2024 |
| Team | Pittsburgh Pirates |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Salary | $800,000 |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship with Olivia Dunne |
| Instagram Profile | @paulskenes |
Paul Skenes is a towering figure in baseball, standing at 6’6″. He is currently in a relationship with Olivia Dunne, an LSU gymnast and social media influencer.
Early Career
Paul Skenes began his baseball journey at El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California. A standout athlete, he played as a two-way player—pitcher and catcher.
After high school, he joined the Air Force Academy, where he excelled as both a pitcher and hitter. In his sophomore year, he won the prestigious John Olerud Award for being the best 2-way player in college baseball.
In 2022, Skenes transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU), where his career reached new heights.
At LSU, he led the team to victory in the 2023 Men’s College World Series and earned accolades including National Pitcher of the Year and the Dick Howser Trophy.
Professional Career
Paul Skenes was the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates—a testament to his immense potential. He signed a record-breaking $9.2 million signing bonus.
After a brief stint in the minor leagues, he made his MLB debut on May 11, 2024. In his rookie season with the Pirates, Skenes delivered an outstanding performance:
- Record: 11 wins, 3 losses
- ERA: 1.96
- Strikeouts: 170 over 133 innings
His remarkable debut season earned him the National League Rookie of the Year award. He also became the fifth rookie in MLB history to start an All-Star Game.
Girlfriend
Paul Skenes is currently dating Olivia Dunne. The couple met at LSU through mutual friends and have been together since mid-2023.
Olivia is a celebrated gymnast with a significant social media following.
Paul Skenes’s Net Worth Details
Paul Skenes’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. His primary income comes from his MLB contracts and endorsements.
In 2025, he is earning a salary of $800,000 under his pre-arbitration contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Career Earnings
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| Signing Bonus (2023) | $9.2 million |
| Rookie Season (2024) | $740,000 |
| Current Salary (2025) | $800,000 |
Career Stats
| Category | Record/Stat |
|---|---|
| Wins | 11 |
| Losses | 3 |
| ERA | 1.96 |
| Strikeouts | 170 |
| Notable Opponents | Chicago Cubs (debut), Milwaukee Brewers |
FAQs
1. Who is Paul Skenes?
Paul Skenes is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates in Major League Baseball (MLB). Born on May 29, 2002, in Orange County, California, he played college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and LSU Tigers before being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
2. What are Paul Skenes’ major career achievements?
Paul Skenes has won several awards, including the John Olerud Award (2022), Dick Howser Trophy (2023), and College World Series Most Outstanding Player (2023). In his rookie MLB season (2024), he was named NL Rookie of the Year and set a Pirates franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie.
3. What makes Paul Skenes a standout pitcher?
Paul Skenes is known for his imposing 6’6″ frame, triple-digit fastball, and wipeout slider. He possesses a five-pitch arsenal, including a curveball, changeup, and splitter-sinker. His ability to consistently throw strikes while limiting walks has made him one of MLB’s most promising young pitchers.
4. How did Paul Skenes transition from catcher to pitcher?
Initially a catcher at the Air Force Academy, Skenes transitioned to pitching due to his height and athleticism. His catching background contributed to his understanding of pitching mechanics and game strategy, which helped him excel as a pitcher.
5. How did Paul Skenes perform in his rookie MLB season?
In his rookie season (2024), Paul Skenes posted an 11-3 record with a 1.96 ERA, 170 strikeouts, and only 32 walks across 23 starts. He was also named the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game, an honor rarely given to rookies.
6. What role did LSU play in Paul Skenes’ development?
At LSU, Skenes became one of the top college pitchers in history. He broke SEC and LSU records for strikeouts in a single season (203) and helped lead LSU to win the 2023 College World Series. His performance earned him national recognition and awards.
7. How did Paul Skenes’ military background influence his career?
Skenes attended the Air Force Academy before transferring to LSU. His time at Air Force instilled discipline, leadership skills, and work ethic that have been integral to his success both on and off the field.
8. What records has Paul Skenes set early in his MLB career?
Skenes struck out 78 batters in his first 10 MLB appearances, ranking eighth all-time among rookies in this category. He also became the first No. 1 draft pick to be named an All-Star as a rookie and set Pirates franchise records for strikeouts by a rookie pitcher.
9. Why was Paul Skenes considered one of the best pitching prospects?
Paul Skenes was regarded as the best college pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg due to his elite velocity, command of multiple pitches, and ability to dominate hitters consistently. Scouts praised his readiness for professional baseball immediately after being drafted.
10. What is Paul Skenes’ connection to the Pittsburgh Pirates?
The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Paul Skenes with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft after winning the inaugural draft lottery. He signed with them for a record $9.2 million bonus and quickly ascended through their farm system before debuting in May 2024.
