Paul Skenes Bio
Paul David Skenes is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2024 and has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top talents. Skenes played college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers, where he garnered numerous accolades and recognition for his skills on the mound. Born and raised in Orange County, California, he attended El Toro High School, where he excelled in baseball and laid the groundwork for his future career in professional sports.
Early Life and Background
Paul David Skenes was born on May 29, 2002, in Fullerton, California, to Craig, a pharmaceuticals company employee, and Karen, a homemaker and former high school teacher. Growing up in Lake Forest, California, Skenes developed a passion for baseball at an early age, influenced by his family and the local sports culture. He attended El Toro High School, where he played three seasons of varsity baseball as a two-way player, showcasing his versatility by playing catcher, first base, and third base in addition to pitching. Skenes graduated from El Toro in 2020 with a remarkable grade point average of 4.76, demonstrating his commitment to both academics and athletics.
During his junior year, Skenes announced his commitment to the United States Air Force Academy, where he would continue to develop his baseball skills. In his junior season, he posted an impressive 0.67 earned run average (ERA) and received recognition by being selected for various all-star teams. His senior year was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he still managed to achieve a 0.33 ERA and was named team captain.
Path to Baseball
Skenes honored his commitment to play college baseball for the Air Force Falcons and was appointed as part of the class of 2024. In his first season at Air Force, he was named the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year and earned first-team All-American honors from multiple organizations. In 2021, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League, further honing his skills.
In 2022, Skenes won the John Olerud Award, recognizing him as the nation’s best two-way player. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Louisiana State University, where he continued to excel. Skenes broke records during his time at LSU, including the Southeastern Conference record for strikeouts in a single season. He played a pivotal role in leading LSU to victory in the 2023 Men’s College World Series, earning the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
Paul Skenes Career
Early Career (2023)
Skenes entered the 2023 MLB Draft as one of the most anticipated prospects, considered by many as the best pitching prospect since Stephen Strasburg. The Pittsburgh Pirates selected him with the first overall pick, making him the second player in LSU history to be chosen first overall in the draft. He signed with the Pirates for a record $9.2 million signing bonus, the highest ever for a drafted player.
After a brief stint in the Pirates’ minor league system, Skenes made his MLB debut on May 11, 2024, against the Chicago Cubs. In his debut, he showcased his talent by striking out seven batters while throwing fastballs clocked at 100 miles per hour or higher. He ended his rookie season with a remarkable 1.96 ERA and was named the National League Rookie of the Year.
Breakthrough (2024-2025)
Skenes’ breakthrough came during the 2024 season when he was selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star Game, becoming only the fifth rookie in MLB history to achieve this honor. He continued to impress throughout the season, finishing with a record of 11 wins and 3 losses, along with 170 strikeouts in 23 starts.
In 2025, Skenes solidified his status as a top pitcher by winning the NL Cy Young Award, becoming the first player to win both the Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award in consecutive seasons since Dwight Gooden. He was also named to his second consecutive All-Star Game and continued to break records, including setting a new franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie.
Notable Works and Milestones
Paul Skenes has quickly become a signature player for the Pittsburgh Pirates, earning multiple accolades including two All-Star selections and the NL Cy Young Award. His impressive statistics and performances have made him a standout player in Major League Baseball.
Paul Skenes Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Paul Skenes has received several award nominations, including the NL Rookie of the Year and the NL Cy Young Award, recognizing his outstanding performances on the mound.
Paul Skenes Awards Won
Paul Skenes has won notable awards, including the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the NL Cy Young Award in 2025, highlighting his rapid rise in Major League Baseball.
Paul Skenes Family
Paul Skenes is in a relationship with Livvy Dunne, a former LSU gymnast and social media influencer. Their relationship began after Skenes’ best friend at LSU dated Dunne’s roommate, leading to their connection.
Personal Life
Skenes maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his career while also enjoying time with his partner. He continues to be a prominent figure in the baseball community, both for his on-field achievements and his growing popularity off the field.