Paul Skenes is a rising star in Major League Baseball playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Fans know him for his tall frame, strong arm, and blazing fastball that can reach 100 mph. His “splinker” pitch, a mix between a fastball and a splitter, is nearly impossible to hit. He began his college baseball career at the Air Force Academy. Later, he moved to LSU, where he became one of the best pitchers in the country. He helped LSU win the 2023 College World Series and earned the Dick Howser Trophy as the nation’s top player.
Pittsburgh chose him first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft. He signed a $9.2 million bonus, the highest in draft history. Paul made his MLB debut in May 2024 and impressed everyone. He won National League Rookie of the Year and started the All-Star Game in his first season. In 2025, he returned as the Pirates’ Opening Day starter. His ERA stayed under 2.00, and he led the league in several pitching stats. Coaches and analysts call him one of the top pitchers in the game. Paul Skenes has the talent, focus, and drive to become one of the best pitchers of his generation.
Early Life
Paul Skenes was born on May 29, 2002, and his parents are Craig Skenes and Karen Skenes. Paul spent his childhood in Lake Forest, California, where he developed a passion for baseball. As he grew older and honed his skills on the field, Skenes attended El Toro High School, where he continued to excel as an athlete. With such a bright future ahead of him, academically and athletically, there is no doubt that Paul Skenes will continue to make great strides toward achieving all his goals and aspirations!
Paul Skenes Career
Paul Skenes had a successful first season at Air Force, earning the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year title and being named a first-team All-American by several publications. He also won the John Olerud Award for being the best two-way player in the country. Since joining LSU, Skenes has taken his game to another level impressing fans and analysts with his incredible talent.
Skenes reflects on his career and how he never thought he would make it to where he is today, having started with a love for baseball. He worked hard to become one of the best players out there and now is the perfect time for him to break out onto the scene. In 2021, Skenes played summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen. He entered the NCAA transfer portal after his sophomore season and announced on July 28, 2022, that he would be transferring to LSU via social media.
Rise to fame
Throughout the 2023 NCAA season, Paul turned out to be an ace for the LSU Tigers. He recorded some of the best stats of his career. Paul allowed only 19 walks in the whole season while registering whooping 200 strikeouts in 114.2 innings and maintaining a 1.81 ERA. These stats are the reason why he is the 2nd best prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft 2023-2024.
Continuing his exceptional form in the world series, Paul played a pivotal role in the Tiger’s triumph. He recorded an impressive 12 strikeouts and only allowed a single walk in 7.2 innings pitched. In a winner take all game, LSU players showed their mammoth teamwork against Florida Gators. LSU team thrashed Gators with an 18-4 score in the final game to clinch the national champions title.
MLB
Paul Skenes was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB Draft, making history alongside LSU teammate Dylan Crews, who went second. Coming off a dominant college season at LSU, Skenes posted a 12–2 record with a 1.69 ERA and 209 strikeouts, leading Division I and helping LSU win the Men’s College World Series. He was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. On July 18, 2023, he signed with the Pirates for a record-setting $9.2 million bonus.
His fast rise through the minors, fueled by his elite performance, led to his MLB debut in May 2024. Paul Skenes has emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball during the 2025 season. Despite a 6–8 win-loss record, he leads the league with a stunning 1.83 ERA over 22 starts and has struck out 146 batters in 133 innings. His WHIP stands at an impressive 0.90, ranking among the best in the league.
Paul Skenes was selected as an All-Star for the second straight year and is a top contender for the NL Cy Young Award. His advanced stats, like FIP and WAR, highlight his elite performance, though his record suffers from poor team run support. With consistent outings, including multiple shutout games and strong strikeout numbers, Skenes continues to show he’s a future ace and a cornerstone for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Paul Skenes Biography |
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| Real Name | Paul David Skenes |
| Birth Date | May 29, 2002 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 23 Years |
| Birth Place | Fullerton, California, USA |
| Residence | Lake Forest, California, USA |
| Profession | College Baseball Player (Right-Handed Pitcher/Utility) |
| College | Louisana State University |
| Class | Graduate |
Physical Statistics |
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| Height | in feet inches – 6’ 6” – in Centimeters – 198 cm |
| Weight | in Kilograms – 112 kg – in Pounds – 247 lbs |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
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Family |
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| Father | Craig Skenes |
| Mother | Karen Skenes |
| Sister | Two (Lauren & Kristen Skenes) |
| Brother | – |
Relationship Status |
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| Marital Status | In Relationship |
| Affair | Yes |
| Who is his girlfriend? | Olivia Dunne |
Personal Life
Paul Skenes is dating his girlfriend Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast turned social media star and Sports Illustrated model. They publicly confirmed their relationship in August 2023, when Dunne wore his LSU jersey during the College World Series. Since then, they’ve become a celebrated Gen Z “power couple” who support each other’s careers. Both attended the 2024 and 2025 MLB All-Star Games, where Skenes started the NL game and Dunne has cheered him on courtside.
During the 2025 All-Star red carpet, Skenes sweetly helped fix Dunne’s sandal strap in a widely shared moment of chivalry. Dunne recently shared a touching “invisible string” story, her mother found a ticket from a 2021 LSU vs. Air Force game that she attended before they ever met, linking their paths long before their relationship began. Dunne emphasizes a shared rule: “we don’t restrict each other,” reflecting their mutual respect and balanced schedules.
Paul Skenes Net Worth
Paul Skenes has an estimated net worth of around $5 million, built through a mix of record-setting contracts and growing endorsement deals. After being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, he signed a historic $9.2 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a draft pick. In 2025, he earns a base salary of about $800,000, along with a $2.1 million bonus through MLB’s pre-arbitration performance pool.
Off the field, Skenes has signed endorsement deals with brands like Rawlings, Nike, and Gatorade, earning between $500,000 and $2 million annually from sponsorships. His rising fame, boosted by his high-profile relationship with Olivia Dunne, has increased his market appeal. Experts believe he could sign a contract worth $400–500 million when he reaches free agency, potentially making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history.
