The Pittsburgh Pirates are struggling once again in Major League Baseball. With a record of 66 wins and 89 losses, they sit at the bottom of the NL Central and are far from playoff contention. For fans, the team has been frustratingly mediocre. But one bright spot has emerged: Paul Skenes, a rookie pitcher who is quickly becoming the face of the franchise and a hot name in the sports card market.
At just 22 years old, Paul Skenes has already taken MLB by storm. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2024 after an electrifying debut season. In 2025, he continues to impress with an ERA around 2.03 and more than 200 strikeouts, putting him among the top pitchers in baseball.
The Record Breaking Rookie Card
The crown jewel of Skenes collectibles is the 2024 Topps Chrome Update MLB Debut Patch Autograph Card. This 1 of 1 card features a patch from the jersey Skenes wore in his MLB debut along with his autograph.
In March 2025, the card sold at a Fanatics Collect auction for an incredible 1.11 million dollars, purchased by Dick’s Sporting Goods. This makes it one of the most valuable modern sports cards ever sold, joining the ranks of legendary collectibles tied to names like Honus Wagner, Mickey Mantle, and Ken Griffey Jr.
Elite performance As long as Skenes continues to pitch at a Cy Young caliber level, demand for his rookie card should stay strong.
Uniqueness A true 1 of 1 debut patch autograph card is irreplaceable, making it a grail piece for serious collectors.
Media attention Skenes is not just a baseball star. His dominance and cultural relevance keep him in the spotlight.
Not every collector will ever own a one of one debut patch autograph card worth more than a million dollars. But even base level Paul Skenes rookie cards are drawing attention.
According to Sports Card Investor data, his 2024 Topps Chrome Update Rookie Debut Refractor in raw condition has climbed more than 78 percent in the past month and now trades at around 10 dollars. This is notable because the card is neither numbered nor autographed.
For casual collectors, this shows that demand for Paul Skenes rookie cards is strong across all price levels. Whether it is a premium one of one card or an entry level refractor, market activity signals that Skenes has quickly become one of the most collectible young stars in baseball.
What Could Limit The Hype
Pirates mediocrity If Pittsburgh remains a non factor in the MLB playoff picture, Skenes may not get the national stage he deserves.
Injury risk Pitchers are notoriously vulnerable, and a major injury could stall both his career momentum and his card market.
Card market volatility Sports card prices can rise and fall quickly depending on trends, supply, and the broader economy.
The Paul Skenes rookie card is already a modern classic, breaking the million dollar barrier just months into his MLB career. If Skenes continues his dominance and the Pirates eventually turn into contenders, his card values could rise even further. But even if the team stays stuck in mediocrity, the rarity and hype around his debut patch card ensure it will remain one of the most coveted modern baseball cards.
