The Pittsburgh Pirates' offer, apparently, wasn't too good to be refused.
After a collector from Los Angeles pulled the one-of-one autographed Paul Skenes rookie card from Topps earlier this week, the 11-year-old had a big decision to make.
We now know the answer: the kid is rejecting the Pittsburgh Pirates' "golden ticket" offer and is sending the card to auction, Topps said Friday.
In return for the card, the Pirates were offering two season tickets behind home plate for 30 years, a softball game at PNC Park for 30 people, a meet and greet with Skenes at Pittsburgh's spring training facility — LECOM Park — along with additional up close and personal experiences with the team.
Skenes, 22, had immense expectations after being selected first overall in the 2023 MLB amateur draft. He followed through and then some, bolting to the majors the following season after only 12 minor-league appearances and winning the 2024 Rookie of the Year.
Despite Skenes' pedigree, nobody could have predicted how the six-foot-six right-hander would blow away the competition in his first major-league season. He finished with a blistering 1.96 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 170 strikeouts over 133.0 innings.
The one-of-one card includes an "MLB Debut" patch worn by Skenes during his electric first start, along with the rising superstar's autograph.
The item has also drawn offers from other celebrities.
Skenes' girlfriend, LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, said the person who found the card could sit with her in her suite at PNC Park.
Late night talk show host Seth Myers offered four VIP tickets to a taping of his show for a chance to just see the card.
The Pirates had hoped to display the card at PNC Park for all attending fans to enjoy.
Now, we'll have to see what happens after the auction.
