Pirates 'disappointed' after young collector who acquired one-of-a-kind Paul Skeens card turns down team's offer

Earlier this week, a young collector pulled Paul Skeens' coveted autographed MLB debut patch card off the market.

After acquiring the world's only baseball card featuring the Pittsburgh Pirates' star pitcher, an 11-year-old collector from Southern California decided to turn down a trade offer from an MLB team.

This card was featured in the 2024 Topps Chrome Update set. On Friday, the trading card and collectibles maker acknowledged that collectors “have instead chosen to auction off their cards on @FanaticsCollect,” Topps wrote in an Instagram post.

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Pirates offered a package of benefits in exchange for the card. The team's offer included 30 years of premium Pirates season tickets, the chance to play softball on the field, a meet-and-greet with Skeens, and an autographed jersey.

Livvy Dunn talks about awkward moment with Paul Skeens after winning NL Rookie of the Year award

LSU gymnast Libby Dunn, who is dating Skeens, also offered incentives to card holders.

Paul Skeens and Olivia Dunn on the set of ESPN's “College Gameday” at the LSU Quad in Baton Rouge on November 9, 2024. (LSU Athletics/University Images via Getty Images)

“Let's up the stakes… whoever finds this card can join me in my suite to watch the Pirates game,” Dunn wrote in an Instagram Story post.

In a diary entry shared by Topps, the collector wrote that acquiring this card was a “dream come true,” but that dream apparently includes attending games at PNC Park for the next 30 years. It didn't seem to involve spending time.

The Pirates admitted they were “disappointed” to learn of the Collector's decision, but offered to invite fans to games sometime during the 2025 season.

A view of PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Philadelphia Phillies on June 21, 2024 in Pittsburgh. (Charles LeClair/USA Today Sports)

“Well… it's a shame that we won't be able to see you at our home base for the 30th season, but we hope to take you to a special day at PNC Park in Pittsburgh this season as well,'' the team said in “X''. Posted on.

In March, Fanatics Collect, the company responsible for auctioning the cards, announced it would donate proceeds from its sale to a Los Angeles area fire relief fund.

Skeens had a memorable season in 2024, going 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA and 170 strikeouts. He was named to the MLB All-Star team before winning the National League Rookie of the Year Award. Skeens was selected No. 1 in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his major league debut in May 2024.

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Starting in 2023, rookies will wear an MLB debut patch on their jerseys. Topps took the patch and created a unique card. Considering the future could be bright for the 22-year-old, who finished third in National League Cy Young Award voting, this card could have some pretty high value.

Skeens said over the weekend that he is not considering the possibility of signing a long-term deal to remain with the Pirates, instead focusing on helping the Pirates take a step toward contention in 2025. spoke. 2029 season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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