Paul Skenes throws a fastball that goes over 100 miles per hour and a “splinker” that makes bats stop. With a dazzling 1.99 ERA and 285 strikeouts in 244 innings in just his 2 MLB seasons, he has added another accolade to his rising career.

On July 2, Paul Skenes was in charge against the St. Louis Cardinals. He pitched five bold, shutout innings, giving up only five hits, walking one, and striking out five on just 88 pitches. Pittsburgh won 1–0. And Skenes got a solo cover spot!

The official Instagram account of topps posted, “Paul Skenes is your 2025 Topps Finest Baseball cover athlete 🌟 It’s his first time ever appearing solo on a cover 🔥” A solo cover at just 23! That shares a message that the next generation of baseball players is here. In the tradition of Topps Finest, the cover athletes are the best in the sport—icons whose influence goes beyond the pitch.

The cover is validation, but Skenes understands the mound is where the actual action lies. He has a 2.03 ERA this season, which is the second-best in the MLB, with 115 strikeouts, the ninth-best in the league. His WHIP stands at 0.92. Not only this, he has the best ERA and WAR (4.0) among NL starters, making him the clear frontrunner for the NL Cy Young. This is despite the Pirates’ weak offense impacting his win-loss record.

Paul Skenes’ popularity is rising by the day. Do you recall that amazing 1-of-1 debut patch card that sold for $1.11 million? That unprecedented sale wasn’t just shocking; it proved that his presence is more than simply athletic; it’s fundamentally cultural, commercial, and incredibly fascinating.

Now, Skenes’ off-field activities are getting as much attention as his pitching. And the last one got everyone talking…

Pitching precision meets lawn love

Before Tuesday’s game against the Cardinals, Paul Skenes started observing the fine art of groundskeeping while talking to the grounds crew at PNC Park. He then started “chopping it up with the boys” for a solid 15 to 20 minutes while they got the field ready. And this was because he was “bored.”

After learning the basics of grass prep, he remarked that he would be happy to “cut grass professionally” after his pitching days are over. It wasn’t a PR stunt; it was just Skenes being himself, the guy who signs autographs between bullpens and makes jokes about gardening in the offseason.

This down-to-earth moment is more than simply a funny story; it shows how Skenes is winning hearts off the field just as much as he is on it. This guy is a Cy Young favorite with an ERA under 2.05 and a card that sold for more than $1 million. Yet, his modesty is heartwarming. This difference makes every strikeout feel even more real.

The “future groundskeeper” routine is the perfect splash that gets people talking about Skenes. It’s right in the middle of his viral Rookie Card payoff and his rise to the top of the MLB charts. Honestly, whether he’s mowing the lawn or mowing down the opposition, he’s sharing both the moments and the metaphors.