Pirates' Paul Skenes shows why Dodgers may one day pay him $1 billion
Paul Skenes, a standout pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcased his exceptional talent at Dodger Stadium, delivering a dominant performance in front of family and friends. Despite being only in his second year, Skenes has already made a significant impact, with his starts being highly anticipated events in Pittsburgh. His impressive skills have sparked speculation about a future where he might command a historic $1 billion contract, reflecting his potential as one of the best pitchers in baseball. While the Pirates hope to retain him, his value might eventually attract offers from only a handful of teams capable of affording such a commitment. Skenes's combination of skill, durability, and public appeal, including a connection to Hollywood through his girlfriend Livvy Dunne, further enhances his profile as a potential sports icon.
Paul Skenes delivered a remarkable performance at Dodger Stadium, pitching 6.1 scoreless innings with a season-high nine strikeouts against the Dodgers, and received support from 35 family members and friends.
At just 22 years old, Skenes has already started an All-Star Game and is considered by some to be the best pitcher in baseball, making his games a celebrated event in Pittsburgh.
His performance and potential have fueled discussions about a future contract that could reach $1 billion, a figure unprecedented for a baseball player, reflecting his immense value and talent.
The Pittsburgh Pirates face the challenge of retaining Skenes, as his future free agency could attract offers from a limited number of teams financially capable of meeting his potential market value.
Skenes's appeal extends beyond the field with a high-profile relationship with Livvy Dunne, adding to his marketability and public image as a rising sports figure.
Despite the risks associated with pitchers, such as injury, Skenes's physical attributes, standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 260 pounds, contribute to his perceived durability and long-term potential.
Billy Heyen, a freelance writer, has covered Skenes's career developments, highlighting the pitcher’s growing status in the sports world and his potential impact on future baseball contracts.
Paul Skenes in Dodger Stadium.
Someday, that may be a regular occurrence.
Skenes, the Pirates ace from Lake Forest, California (just down the road in Orange County), was dominant on Friday night in a win over the Dodgers with about 35 of his family and friends there to support him.
"I was playing for free tonight,” Skenes told reporters. “It was fun. I'll go up there and see them here in a minute. Today, actually, was kind of a family get-together. It was all my mom's brothers, my dad's brother and their families are all here, which is cool. It hasn't happened for a while, so cool to be able to share that with them.”
Skenes lasted 6.1 scoreless innings. He recorded a season-high nine strikeouts while holding the potent Dodgers lineup to five hits and no walks.
Just in his second year, it's a long way until Skenes is a free agent.
But it's not hard to picture a scenario where the Dodgers eventually open up their whole pile of gold for Skenes.
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He might already be the best pitcher in baseball at age 22. He started the All-Star Game as a rookie. His starts are like a holiday in Pittsburgh.
Skenes even has the Hollywood girlfriend, Livvy Dunne.
Pitchers in modern baseball are fickle. Arms get hurt, and hurt again.
But the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Skenes seems as likely to maintain his durability as anyone.
He throws baseball pitches like he's pulling off magic with a Wiffle Ball.
The Pirates will want to keep him forever, of course. But that would likely require a contract commitment the likes of which have never even been considered in Pittsburgh.
If Skenes continues on this trajectory, there'll be only a few teams capable of paying him what he's truly worth in 2030 free agency.
Could he be baseball's first-ever $1 billion contract?
There certainly isn't much that Skenes can't do.
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