Fan rejects Pirates' offer for rare Skenes card

An 11-year-old fan who pulled a rare Paul Skenes rookie card has decided to send the collectible to auction.

𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: The collector has decided to forego the Pirates offer, and is sending the card to auction. https://t.co/HUTVWVNXHz
— Topps (@Topps) January 24, 2025

The Pittsburgh Pirates promised the fan who found the Skenes rookie debut patch autograph card a huge haul including a pair of season tickets for the next 30 years, a softball game for 30 people at PNC Park with coaching from Pirates alumni, a spring training experience, a meet and greet with Skenes, two autographed Skenes jerseys, batting practice with the team, and other special experiences at Pirate City and LECOM Park in Bradenton, Florida.

The 11-year-old collector who pulled the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch card just shared his journal entries…

It’s an absolute MUST-READ 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/PldkJMS06W
— Topps (@Topps) January 24, 2025

Skenes' girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, also offered the fan a chance to sit with her in a suite for a Pirates home game.

Skenes authored a tremendous rookie season for the Pirates in 2024. The 22-year-old made the All-MLB first team and was a finalist for the NL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards after posting an 11-3 record, 1.96 ERA, and 11.5 K/9 across 133 innings.