Baseball’s newest power couple is making headlines again! While Paul Skenes is taking the MLB world by storm, Olivia Dunne is already a gymnastics star and social media sensation. Put them together, and you’ve got the talk of the town. But beyond the hype, Skenes just dropped an interesting detail—Dunne gave him a special gift, and he’s holding onto it for a “special event.” Could that moment be one Pirates fans won’t forget?

The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year entered this season with high expectations from Pirates fans. He posted an impressive 11-3 record, a 1.96 ERA, and 170 strikeouts over 133 innings last year. Despite his on-field dominance, Skenes has faced criticism, not for his pitching but for his high-profile relationship with Dunne. Since the couple went public, Dunne, who boasts millions of Instagram and TikTok followers, has been in the spotlight. And some argue that Skenes’ relationship with Dunne is a distraction, complicating his already promising career.

But the couple remains unfazed by the criticism, and Skenes’ recent statement made his priorities clear. According to the GQ Sports report, Dunnes handed Skenes a black Gucci tie to wear to the ballpark before his debut on the biggest stage. Skenes claimed that it is currently set aside “for special events.” Pirates fans, buckle up.

Skenes’ next objective is to get the struggling Pirates (76-86 last season) back to the playoffs, a promised destination they haven’t been in for ten years. While this looks like a healthy relationship between the two, what about the special event? “For the postseason,” added the 22-year-old pitcher. While he wore it to the All-Star Game, the tie is now reserved to end the postseason event.

Skenes said last September, “We’re going to be better next year. We’re going to win a lot more games next year. So just keep coming.” So, Skenes is on his route to achieve the coveted feat for the Pirates. His recent performance in the regular season also proves he is a man of his word. Why?

In his first two starts of 2025, Skenes has already impressed. In a 4-2 victory over the Rays, he pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run and earning his first win of the season. His 2025 ERA now sits at 1.46—a stellar start.

Now, with continued growth and reliability, Skenes could be the key to ending Pittsburgh’s playoff drought.

Skenes is all set for a successful postseason run

The Pirates last appeared in the postseason in 2015, and their playoff scene has been going dry since then. This year, one area that still looks half-baked is their bullpen. For the unversed, in 2024, it had the fourth-highest ERA and tied for the second-most blown leads in the ninth inning. Caleb Ferguson, a left-hander, was added by the team as a minor addition.

It is said that he will have a chance to start as the Pirates’ fifth starter. After finishing in the bottom 10 in almost every significant measure at the plate, the offense is the other area of concern. Spencer Horwitz is one guy to bet on for taking the charge on offense.

“Pirates don’t look ready to make any sort of leap.” A bold prediction by the MLB insider, Will Leitch. Is it so? Well, the Pirates’ starting rotation is proving otherwise. Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Jared Jones lead one of baseball’s most promising starting rotations for the team.

These three might cause problems for any club in the NL Central, but if the Pirates can’t improve their bullpen and offense, it might all be for nothing, and they might end up having another losing season. While Skenes is confident that the Pirates will go big this year and they have gotten a great start, time will answer if he can use his Gucci tie for the postseason event this year.

The sky is the limit for Paul Skenes. Incidentally, 2025 is going to be the first full major league year for Skenes, and he has enough to prove his mettle. Fans are also hoping for a great season for the team this year.

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