An 11-year-old baseball card collector from Los Angeles has chosen to auction a rare card featuring National League Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes rather than accept a trade offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates. The card, which includes Skenes’ autograph and a patch from a game-worn jersey, will go up for auction despite the Pirates’ enticing proposal.
The Pirates offered 30 years of season tickets behind home plate at PNC Park, a chance to play a softball game on the field, and an invitation from Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast and influencer Livvy Dunne, to watch a game with her in a luxury suite during one of Skenes’ starts. However, the young collector felt these perks didn’t align with their goals.
In a journal entry shared by Topps, the collector described obtaining the card as a “dream come true” but explained that attending games at PNC Park for the next 30 years wasn’t part of their aspirations. Following the decision, the Pirates expressed disappointment but extended an invitation for the fan to attend a game in 2025.
Fanatics Collect will manage the card’s auction in March, with proceeds benefiting fire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. The card’s value stems from the immense potential of 22-year-old Skenes, who dazzled in his rookie season, finishing third in NL Cy Young Award voting. After debuting in May, the 2023 first overall draft pick excelled with an 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and an All-Star Game start.
Looking ahead, Skenes hasn’t committed to a long-term deal in Pittsburgh but remains focused on helping the Pirates contend in 2025. He is set to become a free agent after the 2029 season.
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