"I’m trying to spend as much time with Olivia Dunne as possible" - Paul Skenes opens up on 'tough' time balancing baseball & personal life

Paul Skenes is the reigning Rookie of the Year, former top prospect in baseball, and a potential award-winner down the line. The Pittsburgh Pirates ace has a bright future in the sport. He also has a girlfriend who is equally if not more famous than he is, making for an interesting work-life balance.

During the offseason, Skenes has to keep in shape and prepare for next year while also enjoying the time off. After winning the Rookie of the Year in the NL, Skenes shared what he's been up to this winter.

"I took three weeks off at the beginning of the offseason. Took a mini vacation to Florida for a few days," he said, via MLB. "It’s just tough because my girlfriend [LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne] is in school and I’m trying to spend as much time with her as possible. A two-week trip to Italy or something like that? That’s not happening this offseason.

People say, ‘Hey, do you want to do something?’ And I’m like, ‘We can do something, but we’ve got about 12 hours because I need to get back and lift in the morning.’ The biggest thing is getting my training in."

Skenes burst onto the scene in his rookie year, going 11-3 with an ERA under 2.00 and dominating his way to the ROY award. In his first full season in 2025, the pressure will be on him to improve, but he also wants to ensure he doesn't neglect his partner until then.

---

Paul Skenes opens up on how he and Olivia Dunne help each other out

Paul Skenes is one of the most famous baseball players, but he may not be the most famous person in his relationship. Olivia Dunne has millions of followers and is a renowned gymnast at LSU.

Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes help each other out (Imagn)

Their dual fame gives each of them the perspective to help the other in those situations, as Skenes said to MLB.com:

"She got to that point in her life a little bit earlier than I did. So, with the Draft and all of that, she was able to help me with those experiences. And I think I’m able to help her. We’re definitely able to share some of those experiences and help each other out."

Skenes frequently pitched with Dunne in the stands cheering him on throughout his rookie season with the Pirates.