Todd Kirkland/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has the type of life that many men desire: he’s an elite MLB pitcher, he’s paid millions of dollars per year, and he’s dating a model. Sometimes, however, Skenes’ face seemingly needs reminding of that fact.
Last year, when Paul Skenes won the National League Rookie of the Year award — also with former LSU gymnast and current model/influencer Livvy Dunne by his side — he barely cracked a smile, let alone moved a muscle, while receiving the news.
Paul Skenes’ reaction after winning the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year 😅
The Pirates righty can win his first career Cy Young Award tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/Sh7MnPyg6D
— MLB (@MLB) November 12, 2025
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes successfully displayed human emotion after learning of his National League Cy Young award
This year, however, after the dominant Skenes took his game to another level and won the National League Cy Young award, the 23-year-old ace — perhaps aware of his viral glum moment last year — remembered that his life actually rocks and was able to muster not only a genuine a smile, but also a fist pump and a pair of hugs for him Mom and his girlfriend.
Paul Skenes winning Rookie of the Year: 😐
Paul Skenes winning Cy Young: 🙂 https://t.co/Vw8ANXAoEs pic.twitter.com/hAymCO5Qxs— MLB (@MLB) November 13, 2025
While Skenes posted a 10-10 record for the lowly Pirates this season, he was still named the Cy Young winner as he posted a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP.
The conversation around Skenes, however, will largely future on his future until he either signs a contract with the Pirates or makes public his intention to move elsewhere, with both the New York Yankees and New York Mets being touted as potential landing sports for the apparent Hall of Fame pitcher in-the-making.