Travel Challenges for Pirates Pitcher Paul Skeens

Traveling can be quite a challenge for Pirates pitcher Paul Skeens and his girlfriend, Olivia “Libby” Dunn.

Even during the offseason, Skeens, the 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner, sticks to a rigorous six-day training routine. He mentioned that when they travel, they rarely spend mornings together.

“I think Liv might be a bit tired of traveling with me,” Skeens shared in a recent interview. “I might be in one place for four days, but half of each day is taken up by my morning training, so it feels more like I have only two days there.”

“We don’t share our mornings. She can handle her own plans during that time. But… I really wish the mornings didn’t come so soon,” he added.

This offseason, Skeens and Dunn—both models for Sports Illustrated—jet-setted across various locations including Italy, Hawaii, California, New Jersey, and Buffalo.

The couple, who first met in college at LSU and publicly confirmed their relationship in 2023, even spent time with Bills star quarterback Josh Allen before Buffalo’s substantial 35-8 win over the Jets on January 4.

Skeens also took the opportunity to work with catchers from Buffalo’s Canisius College for some bullpen sessions at the Bills’ practice facility.

His training regimen includes intense bullpen sessions spread over six days, incorporating various elements like pitching, lifting weights, and simulated games, all with one day off interspersed.

Skeens places great value on discipline and prefers a serious training atmosphere that prioritizes hard work over socializing.

“Everyone aims to be part of the show, but it takes dedication to reach that point,” he remarked. “I want to achieve something even greater.”

Interestingly, the two-time MLB All-Star also prefers a quiet training environment, without any music playing. He pointed out, “I’m not trying to criticize other facilities, but it can become a social distraction. This isn’t about socializing.”