Olivia Dunne reacts to boyfriend Paul Skenes' challenge to Gunnar Henderson and Elly De La Cruz for the cover of MLB The Show

Olivia Dunne recently reacted to her boyfriend Paul Skenes' playful video teasing fellow basketball players. He hinted at the 'MLB The Show', which is a video game series that focuses on Major League Baseball (MLB).

In the video, Skenes mentioned Gunnar Henderson (shortstop for Baltimore Orioles) and Elly De La Cruz (shortstop for Cincinnati Reds), teasing them that he should be the one featured on the game's cover. 'MLB The Show' was developed by San Diego Studio, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2006.

The baseball player shared the video on Instagram and accompanied it with the following caption:

"The @mlbtheshow cover's mine. @la_cocoa_____18 @g_henderson002 @pittsburghpirates @mlb @mlbpa"

He teased other MLB stars in the video saying:

"What's up? This is Paul Skenes. Gunnar, Elly, I heard you guys claiming the cover of the show, and I just want to let you know that the cover is mine. So, let's settle this before the cover drops." (0:01 onwards).

The American gymnast reacted to her boyfriend's video with a comment:

"Things are getting heated."

Screenshot of Olivia Dunne's comment/ Source: Instagram/ @paulskenes

Recently, Olivia Dunne's boyfriend completed his rookie season with the Pirates. In 2024, he clinched the National League Rookie of the Year award after finishing 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts in 133 innings. These achievements make him a strong candidate for the cover of 'MLB The Show'.

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Olivia Dunne and her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, reflect on his award-winning moment

In Picture: Paul Skenes at 2025 BBWAA Dinner - Source: Getty

In January 2024, Olivia Dunne's boyfriend, Paul Skenes, earned the National League Rookie of the Year award following his outstanding debut season in the same year. He received 23/30 votes from the Baseball Writer's Association of America, beating San Diego Padres' Jackson Merrill and the Milwaukee Brewer's Jackson Chourio.

Pitts Burgh Pirates' official Instagram page shared a post regarding the development. In the photographs, he could be seen with his girlfriend, Olivia Dunne, and his family members.

"Paul Skenes officially received his 2024 National League Rookie of the Year Award at the BBWAA Awards Dinner in New York."

After receiving his award, Skenes expressed gratitude towards the writers who voted for him and acknowledged the impact of those who have helped him become a better person. During the post-award-winning speech, he said:

"I'm honored to have won this award and I recognize that it would not have been possible if you all had not voted for me. It was my role and intention to make (this) very easy for you in the coming years. I want to thank God for giving me health and the ability to pursue what I love. He blessed me by putting so many great people in my life who have made me a better person and a baseball player." (0:44)

Notably, Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes met at Lousiana State University.