Paul Skenes sparks Bronx rumors while Olivia Dunne apartment hunts in NYC

The MLB season is heating up as the trade deadline approaches. As usual, rumors are flying faster than a 100 mph fastball. This time, the buzz centers around Paul Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates ace, whose supposed move to New York lit up social media. And not because of an official statement from the team or the player.

It all started with a short TikTok video. Olivia Dunne, a college gymnast and girlfriend of Paul Skenes, appeared checking out apartments in the Big Apple. For many fans, that one clip was enough to picture Skenes suiting up in pinstripes for the Yankees.

That’s when personal moves by Olivia Dunne began to fuel speculation about the professional future of Paul Skenes. It all makes sense, especially in a context where the Yankees badly need to bolster their starting rotation to stay afloat in the always-demanding American League East.

@livvy It isn’t Babe Ruth’s apartment but it’ll do #nyc #apartment #foryou ♬ som original – lyriics musiics ✧

Clearing up the rumors

However, according to Sportskeeda, the reality looks different. Several reports claim the Pirates view Paul Skenes as “untouchable.” That means he hasn’t been placed on the trade block. And honestly, it’s hard to blame them—Paul Skenes has been one of the most dominant rookies this season. His numbers speak loudly, backed by a fierce fastball, tight slider, and a mound presence that recalls vintage power pitchers.

In his first outings as a pro, Paul Skenes has kept his ERA under 3.00. No surprise other franchises are interested—he’s got top-tier stuff. Still, for now, he remains a Pirate, and his girlfriend’s house-hunting trip doesn’t mean he’s on his way to the Big Apple.

Commercial commitments

In this light, it’s known that Olivia Dunne has business deals with major brands based in New York. That alone explains her interest in finding a place in the city. But for those crossing their fingers in the Bronx, it doesn’t spell a team change for Paul Skenes.

The connection between Paul Skenes and New York, while headline-friendly, seems more like timing than strategy. Of course, if the Yankees did want to make a move for the right-hander, they’d need more than hype—they’d have to bring serious value to the table to pry away Pittsburgh’s crown jewel. For now, Skenes is still a Pirate. But his name lingers on the Bronx radar… even if it’s just for romantic reasons.