"No-hit us this year" - Paul Skenes name-drops Shota Imanaga, Elly De La Cruz, among rising stars whose MLB debut cards he would like to collect

Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes was lights-out on the mound in his rookie season, leading him to be named the NL Rookie of the Year, beating San Digo Padres star Jackson Merrill and the Milwaukee Brewers star Jackson Chourio.

Apart from enjoying striking out hitters, Skenes is also a passionate card collector. In an interview with Topps (who manufactures trading cards), Skenes was asked about the cards he would like to have after the 2024 season. The rookie named Shota Imanaga, Elly De La Cruz and teammate Jared Jones as the players whose cards he would like to collect.

"Yeah, I mean, I think it’d be cool to have all those guys’ patches," Skenes said. "Jared Jones, my roommate — we’re close, and I think that would be a cool one to have. Eli, he’s a tough out, so that would be another cool one. I respect the way he goes about his business and plays the game, so that would be a great one to have. You know, we obviously play him a lot.

"Imanaga no-hit us this year, so there’s a lot of respect there. Again, I respect the way he goes about his business. I love watching him pitch, so that’s another one. Yeah, all those guys, really — it would be cool to have."

---

Pirates and Paul Skenes' girlfriend made generous offers for pitcher's “Topps Rookie Debut Patch” card

Since 2023, Topps has been releasing “Topps Rookie Debut Patch” cards. In this card, the patch the rookies wore on their sleeves is highlighted on the card.

For the 2024 season, the company issued 251 such cards and released the collection on Nov. 13, featuring players who made their big league debut between June 1, 2023 and May 24, 2024.

Moreover, there's only one debut patch card produced for each player, making it a rare card and after the pitcher was recognized with NL ROY, the value of the card has bumped up.

The Pirates tendered an offer on social media, offering the holder of Paul Skenes Debut Patch Card the following perks:

"Two (2) Pirates season tickets behind home plate for the next thirty (30) years. A softball game for thirty (30) at PNC Park + Coaching from Pirates Alumni A Spring Training experience like no other. Private Tour of Pirates City and LECOM Park. Meet n Greet with Paul Skenes. Two (2) Paul Skenes autographed jerseys. Take Batting Practice/Warm Up with the Team. And other unique experiences at- -Pirates City and LECOM Park."

Skenes' girlfriend Olivia Dunne sweetened the offer.

“Let’s raise the stakes ... the person who finds the card can sit with me at a Pirates game in my suite,” she wrote on X.

It remains to be seen whether the cardholder comes forward and takes the benefits that come with it.