MLB analyst compares Paul Skenes’ fame to that of Travis Kelce because of their famous partners (Photo Source: IMAGN)
Paul Skenes took the MLB by storm this season thanks to his ability to light up the radar gun and rack up strikeout after strikeout. The pitching phenom more than justified the Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to select him with the first overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft.
While it remains to be seen if he will beat out Jackson Merrill of the San Diego Padres for the National League Rookie of the Year, being in the conversation at this point of the season is a testament to how well he played. Despite Skenes’ success and potential, some believe the reason he gets so much coverage has more to do with his girlfriend than his playing skill.
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On the latest episode of The Mayor’s Office with Sean Casey and Rich Ciancimino, the pair talked with former Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes about the state of superstars in the MLB. According to Ciancimino, the fact that Skenes is dating Olivia Dunne helps his celebrity status.
“Add the Liivy Dunne factor to it. Not saying anything but that’s the Travis Kelce effect that’s going on with Taylor Swift. He’s a little more global than the other players because his girlfriend is also famous in her own right [20:56],” Ciancimino said of Skenes’ popularity around the world.
Dunne has a large following on social media, something that has not only helped raise the profile of Skenes but also the Pittsburgh Pirates as a team.
In a similar fashion to Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs benefitting from Taylor Swift fans tuning into games, the MLB has its own, albeit, smaller version of this with Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes. The couples have another connection, as Travis Kelce reportedly once offered Skenes and Dunne tickets to a Taylor Swift concert.
Paul Skenes once gave Olivia Dunne a custom baseball card of her and their dog
Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne aren’t afraid to show their feelings toward one another online.
Earlier this year, the Pirates ace made headlines after giving Dunne a custom baseball card for her birthday. The card featured a picture of Dunne with their dog, Roux, as well as stats about the pup.