MLB’s Rising Star Paul Skenes Confirms Relationship with Olivia Dunne

Paul Skenes, the standout 2023 MLB Draft’s first overall pick, recently opened up about his budding romance with Olivia Dunne, the LSU gymnast making waves with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue photo shoot.

The Pittsburgh Pirates sensation admitted to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the duo connected through mutual friends: Skenes’ best buddy is in a relationship with Dunne’s roommate and fellow LSU gymnast Elena Marenas. Skenes fondly described their meeting as a serendipitous “small-world type of thing.”

Shared Limelight: A Blessing and a Challenge

Both being in the spotlight, their shared fame has given them unique challenges and moments of understanding. Dunne boasts a massive following of over 12 million on her social media platforms, while Skenes recently made headlines with his record-breaking $9.2 million rookie contract. Skenes conveyed the double-edged sword of fame, stating, “It’s nice, for sure,” but quickly followed up on the pressures they both face in public. Despite the challenges, the pitcher expresses a heartfelt wish for Dunne to enjoy a baseball game without any disruptions in the future.

Dunne’s Viral Stardom and Future Prospects for the Couple

Although Skenes acknowledges that Dunne’s fame currently eclipses his, he remains optimistic about his ascent in popularity, especially as he prepares for his MLB debut. Dunne’s recent unedited TikTok clip from her SI photoshoot further solidified her digital dominance, garnering over half a million views within a day. As the relationship becomes public knowledge, fans eagerly await the couple’s inaugural public appearance, further fueled by Dunne’s recent appearance at Skenes’ Single-A debut and her subtle nod to their romance with a Pirates hat.