Paul Skenes knows what is coming in Pirates locker | Sports News

Pittsburgh Pirates sensation Paul Skenes anticipates some good-natured ribbing from his teammates after collaborating in a stylish GQ Sports photoshoot alongside his girlfriend Livvy Dunne.

The coveted NL Rookie of the Year switched into numerous fashionable ensembles and even sported cosmetics for the shoot’s polished photos, just like Dunne. While accustomed for the famed gymnast and digital star, the picture session represented uncharted territory for Skenes, who foresees playful ‘flak’ coming his approach in the Pirates dressing room.

“It’s uh, I’m gonna get some flak in the locker room, I know that and I’m not looking forward to that,” Skenes admitted in a candid Instagram video shared by CBS Sports. “Yeah, I didn’t know what GQ was until the offer came so glad I did it, I think. How’d I look? You guys think I look good?”.

Both rising skills from LSU, Skenes and Dunne have every carved out stellar reputations in their respective fields – he on the baseball diamond and she or he on the gymnastics mats. Together, they’re a energy couple with immense recognition.

Dunne, an alumna of the U.S. Junior Women’s National Gymnastics Team, nonetheless competes with the LSU tigers.

Dunne has amassed NCAA gold and instructions a social media empire that extends past 10 million followers. For Skenes, baseball has been a lifelong ambition, exhibiting promise as one of MLB’s thrilling new prospects.

Starting his collegiate profession on the Air Force, Skenes claimed the John Olerud Award for being the premier collegiate two-way baseball participant. His transfer to LSU earlier than junior 12 months set the stage for love with Dunne, connecting two sports activities stars certain for greatness.

The Tigers clinched the 2023 Men’s College World Series championship, propelling Skenes to the highlight because the match’s Most Outstanding Player, main into his entry in the 2023 MLB Draft. He impressed scouts and was snapped up first total by the Pittsburgh Pirates, rapidly rising by the minor leagues within a single season.

Skenes made an spectacular MLB debut in May 2024 and capped off the 12 months beginning in the All-Star Game and securing All-MLB First Team honors. Yet, regardless of Skenes’ stellar efficiency, the Pirates have stumbled on the onset of the 2025 MLB season, igniting fan requires proprietor Bob Nutting to sell the crew.

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The Pirates’ document hasn’t shone vibrant, breaching the. 500 mark simply as soon as since their final playoff look in 2015.

The crew’s missing 2-6 begin this season has supporters clamoring for a new direction. Echoing by the stadium at Friday’s home opener have been chants demanding possession modifications, though Skenes redirected consideration in direction of teamwork.

“Mr. Nutting and (manager Derek Shelton) aren’t the ones playing,” Skenes identified. “We’re the ones playing. If we were 8-0 through, however, many games we’ve played right now, the fans aren’t booing. We’ve got to play better.”

Despite the rocky begin, Skenes urged the fandom to keep religion and do not forget that the season is prolonged, promising a rebound. “It’s a long season,” he reassured.

“I want to believe that it all evens out. But we aren’t getting these games back. We will go on a stretch where we will go … 7-2 or wherever we are right now in an opposite way.”

Amid the turmoil on the sector, proprietor Nutting grew to become the point of interest of followers’ frustrations as chants broke out urging him to sell the crew. They additionally unfurled a banner echoing this sentiment, full with a web site tackle directing to a marketing campaign web page inciting Pittsburgh followers to rally in protest.

In response to the outcry, Nutting expressed his understanding and respect for the followers’ fervor: “I really respect and appreciate the passion of our fans,” he acknowledged, having helmed possession since January 2007. “I understand their anger and I understand their concern and I understand that they want the team to win. I do too, that’s the most important thing we’re focused on.”