Paul Skenes has rapidly ascended from a collegiate sensation to one of Major League Baseball’s most dominant aces.
Since being drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates, the flamethrowing right-hander has shattered expectations, earning accolades like the 2024 Rookie of the Year and the 2025 NL Cy Young Award.
His on-field dominance, combined with his high-profile relationship with gymnast Olivia Dunne, has made him a marketing powerhouse.
In this article, you will know Paul Skenes’ net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Paul Skenes’ Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul David Skenes |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 2002 |
| Age | 23 |
| Education | Air Force Academy, LSU |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Weight | 235 lbs (107 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2023 (Drafted 1st Overall) |
| Net Worth | Approx. $12 Million (Estimated) |
| Salary | Approx. $1 Million (Pre-Arbitration Estimate) |
| Girlfriend | Olivia Dunne |
| Instagram Profile | @paulskenes |
| Twitter Profile | @Paul_Skenes |
Early Career
Paul Skenes began his collegiate journey at the United States Air Force Academy, where he was a two-way star. He utilized his imposing frame to dominate as both a catcher and a pitcher, earning the John Olerud Award as the nation’s best two-way player.
Despite his success, Skenes sought a clearer path to professional baseball and transferred to Louisiana State University (LSU) for his junior year.
At LSU, Skenes focused exclusively on pitching, a decision that paid historic dividends. Under the tutelage of pitching coach Wes Johnson, he revolutionized his mechanics and velocity.
In 2023, he posted a 12-2 record with a staggering 1.69 ERA and broke the SEC single-season strikeout record with 209 Ks. He led the Tigers to a College World Series championship and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.
His dominance made him the undisputed No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, where the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him to a record-breaking $9.2 million bonus.
Professional Career
Skenes wasted no time making his mark on the professional level. After a brief stint in the minors, he made his highly anticipated MLB debut in May 2024.
His rookie season was historic; he started the All-Star Game for the National League and finished the year with an 11-3 record and a 1.96 ERA, securing the NL Rookie of the Year award.
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His fastball, consistently clocking over 100 mph, and his “splinker” (splitter-sinker hybrid) baffled hitters league-wide.
The 2025 season saw Skenes elevate his game even further. He solidified his status as the best pitcher in baseball, winning the National League Cy Young Award unanimously.
Skenes posted a 1.97 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and struck out 216 batters over 187.2 innings. By 2026, he had become the face of the Pirates franchise, leading a pitching rotation that transformed Pittsburgh into a legitimate contender.
Girlfriend
Paul Skenes is in a high-profile relationship with Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and social media mega-influencer.
The couple met while both were student-athletes at LSU and went public with their relationship in mid-2023. They have since become one of the most recognizable power couples in sports.
In 2026, the couple continues to support each other’s careers. Dunne is frequently spotted at PNC Park cheering for Skenes, while Paul supports her various brand ventures.
They often share glimpses of their life together on social media, including attending NFL games and red-carpet events. Despite rumors and their massive combined fame, they remain unmarried as of early 2026.
Paul Skenes’ Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Paul Skenes’ net worth is estimated to be approximately $12 million. This figure includes his record-setting signing bonus, accumulated MLB salaries, performance incentive bonuses, and endorsement income.
Contract
Paul Skenes entered the league on a rookie contract after signing for a $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023, the largest draft bonus in MLB history at the time. As of 2026, he remains under team control as a pre-arbitration player.
While his base salary is relatively low compared to veteran stars, the Pirates control his rights for six full seasons of service time, meaning he won’t hit unrestricted free agency until after the 2029 season unless an extension is signed.
Salary
For the 2026 season, Skenes is expected to earn a salary in the range of $900,000 to $1 million. This is a standard pre-arbitration raise from his 2025 salary of $875,000.
However, his actual take-home pay is significantly boosted by the Pre-Arbitration Performance Bonus Pool. In 2024 alone, he earned over $2.1 million from this pool due to his Rookie of the Year win and high Cy Young voting placement.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Salary/Bonus | Incentive Bonus (Est.) | Total Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Pirates | $9,200,000 (Signing Bonus) | – | $9,200,000 |
| 2024 | Pirates | $740,000 | $2,152,057 | ~$2,892,057 |
| 2025 | Pirates | $875,000 | ~$2,500,000 (Cy Young) | ~$3,375,000 |
| 2026 | Pirates | ~$1,000,000 | TBD | ~$1,000,000+ |
| Total | Career | – | – | ~$16.4 Million+ |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | W-L | ERA | IP | SO | WHIP | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Pirates | 11-3 | 1.96 | 133.0 | 170 | 0.95 | NL Rookie of the Year, All-Star |
| 2025 | Pirates | 15-5 | 1.97 | 187.2 | 216 | 0.95 | NL Cy Young, All-Star |
| Total | MLB | 26-8 | 1.96 | 320.2 | 386 | 0.95 | – |
FAQs
1. What is Paul Skenes’ net worth?
Paul Skenes’ net worth is estimated to be around $12 million in 2026. This wealth primarily comes from his historic $9.2 million signing bonus and lucrative performance bonuses from the MLB pre-arbitration pool.
2. How much is Paul Skenes’ salary?
Paul Skenes earns a base salary of approximately $1 million. However, he likely earns millions more through the Pre-Arbitration Performance Bonus Pool due to his award-winning performance.
3. Is Paul Skenes married to Olivia Dunne?
Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne are not married. They are in a long-term relationship and frequently appear together at public events.
4. Did Paul Skenes win the Cy Young Award?
Yes, Paul Skenes won the National League Cy Young Award in 2025 after a dominant season where he posted a 1.97 ERA and struck out 216 batters.
5. What was Paul Skenes’ signing bonus?
Paul Skenes signed a $9.2 million signing bonus with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2023, which set a new MLB record for the highest bonus ever given to a drafted player.
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