Young collector who nabbed a one-of-a-kind Paul Skenes baseball card has turned down a lucrative trade offer from the Pittsburgh Pirates. This unique card, which showcases Skenes’ autograph along with a patch from a game-worn jersey, has captured significant attention in the sports memorabilia world.
In a statement released by Topps, it was revealed that the 11-year-old from Los Angeles opted to auction the card instead of accepting the Pirates’ enticing package. The team had proposed 30 years of season tickets behind home plate at PNC Park and an exclusive opportunity to play a softball game on the field.
Adding to the allure, Skenes’ girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, extended an invitation for the card’s owner to watch a game from a luxury suite during one of Skenes’ starts.
While the young collector described acquiring the card as a “dream come true” in a journal entry shared by Topps, it appears that this dream does not involve attending games at PNC Park for the next three decades.
Following the decision, the Pirates expressed their disappointment on X, stating they were “bummed” but still extended an invitation for the young fan to attend a game during the 2025 season.
The upcoming auction for the card will be managed by Fanatics Collect in March, with all proceeds earmarked for fire relief funds in the Los Angeles area, showcasing a commitment to community support.
Given the promising trajectory of Skenes’ career, the card is expected to hold significant value. The 22-year-old pitcher recently finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting after an impressive rookie season.
Drafted first overall in the 2023 amateur draft, Skenes made his major league debut in May and quickly became a standout player. He was selected as the NL’s starting pitcher in the All-Star Game after just 11 starts, wrapping up the season with an 11-3 record and a remarkable 1.96 ERA across 23 games.
Despite the buzz surrounding a potential long-term contract with the Pirates, Skenes stated over the weekend that his primary focus is on helping the team contend in 2025. He is set to become a free agent after the 2029 season.
