REPORT: Skenes Has a $9.2M Contract as the Pirates’ Star Pitcher. He Wants to Cut ties Professionally’ After

Maybe Paul Skenes’ secret weapon isn’t just his fastball — it could be his green thumb.

Before the Pittsburgh Pirates faced the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, July 1, Skenes was seen checking out the work of the PNC Park grounds crew, according to a photo shared on X.

Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the 23-year-old pitcher was simply “bored” and decided to spend time on the field pregame. Hiles also noted that Skenes has a genuine interest in landscaping and “would love to cut grass professionally” after his baseball career ends.

Apparently getting a head start, Skenes spent about 15 to 20 minutes chatting with the grounds crew, forming a friendly bond with them ahead of his five shutout innings later that night.

Pregame quirks aren’t new for Skenes, who last July went viral for his unique warm-up routine — which featured a mix of resistance bands, footballs, and even an inflatable tube harnessed to his back.

Skenes, selected first overall in the 2023 MLB Draft by the Pirates, has quickly risen to stardom. He’s having an outstanding season and topped MLB.com’s Cy Young Award poll for June. Many expect the right-hander to start in the upcoming MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta on July 15.

Off the field, Skenes is also known for his relationship with Livvy Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and social media star. The two met during his lone season pitching for LSU in 2023.

Dunne, 22, racked up a $3.9 million NIL valuation during her college career and boasts millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram. In a June interview with PEOPLE, she said she’s focused on supporting Skenes and catching as many of his games as possible — while also reviewing the hot dogs at each ballpark.

Though she’s embraced her role as a baseball WAG, Dunne might soon take on a new identity: lawn care WAG.