Paul Skenes had an impressive rookie season for the Pirates in 2024 after he was called up from the minors. Never in his wildest dream did he imagine that his $875,000 1-year contract would fall shy of some 11-year-old boy.
During his breakout year, Skenes got attention for his pitching skills, but a rare rookie card outshined all of it. The fan sold the card for an astonishing $1.1 million, which prompted the Pirates to offer a crazy package in exchange.
Their lucrative offer included 30 years of season tickets, a meet & greet with Skenes, signed jerseys, a private tour, and a softball game at PNC Park. Additionally, Livvy Dunne, Skenes’s girlfriend, also extended an invitation to host the fan in her suite for a game. Ultimately, the young fan chose to accept the cash instead.
The 11-year old boy who pulled the Paul Skenes MLB Debut Patch card sold it for $1.1M.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 21, 2025
Paul Skenes will earn $875,000 from the #Pirates in 2025.
This card is the most valuable non-Mike Trout card to date, and according to ESPN, the proceeds will help fund college for the 11-year-old and his brother. Fanatics’ Marketplace vice president, Kevin Lenane, indicated that the family plans to evenly split the money for future education savings.
For context, Skenes is set to earn $875,000 in his rookie salary with the Pirates for the upcoming season, making the sale of the card worth more than his entire 2025 salary.
Also Read:PHOTOS: Paul Skenes’ Girlfriend Olivia Dunne Lazies In Bed Showing Off Her New Crocs
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MLB Fans Troll The Pirates As Paul Skenes Rare Rookie Card Outsells His Salary
The card was unique in itself. It’s a 1-of-1 Topps rookie edition that includes an autograph and a patch from Skenes. However, Fanatics Collect auctioned the rare collectible and ultimately sold for an impressive $1.1 million. Ever since the news broke out on the internet, social media fans are going crazy over it.
“And the Pirates were upset he wouldn’t accept their poverty deal,” a fan commented.
And the Pirates were upset he wouldn’t accept their poverty deal
— Harry Lime (@HLRacketeer) March 21, 2025
“Can someone explain to me why it’s worth 1.1?” a confused fan asked.
Can someone explain to me why it's worth 1.1?
— Edna Garrett (@WatchMyReview) March 21, 2025
“Whoever bought this will probably regret it long term,” another fan trolled.
Whoever bought this will probably regret it long term.
— Steak 🥩 for breakfast (@MeatDietDiary) March 21, 2025
“I mean that’s not a bad deal but still pirates cheap way!” a fan quipped.
I mean that’s not a bad deal but still pirates cheap way!
— Paul Skenes Enjoyer ⚾️🏒 (@Baseball4Ever99) March 21, 2025
“And the Pirates were upset he wouldn’t accept their poverty deal,” wrote another user.
And the Pirates were upset he wouldn’t accept their poverty deal
— Harry Lime (@HLRacketeer) March 21, 2025
Well, we live in a crazy world where a piece of paper, however rare, outsells a rookie’s one year of earnings, just with a snap. Good luck to the young fans looking for more of these!
Also Read: MLB Fans React As Paul Skenes Receives No Extension Talks From The Pirates
