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Paul Skenes’ special MLB Debut Patch rookie card could be worth six figures
The MLB Debut Patch top prospect Paul Skenes wore during his MLB debut Saturday, May 11 is being used to create a special 1-of-1 Rookie Patch Auto card of the rookie pitcher and future MLB star.
Skenes, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ top prospect and the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, struck out seven batters in 4-plus innings against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Skenes threw 17 pitches clocked at 100 mph or faster, including a 101.9 mph pitch that was the fastest recorded by a Pirates pitcher in the pitch tracking era since 2008.
Skenes, a 6-6 right-hander, wore the MLB Debut patch on the left sleeve of his Pirates uniform. The patch was then sent to Topps, where it will be used to create a special piece of memorabilia commemorating the historic debut.
In the second year of the MLB Debut program, rookies making their MLB debut will wear the special patch, which will then be used to create Topps trading cards from their first game.
After the game, the patch is removed, secured and authenticated through the MLB Authenticated program. Skenes and other rookies will later sign the special 1/1 Topps Rookie Debut Patch Auto card, which will then be randomly inserted into Topps trading card packs.
Also See: Top MLB rookie cards to chase in 2024
Topps estimates the special card could be worth as much as six figures at some point, depending on Skenes’ performance and how his career develops.
Topps also created a special Paul Skenes Topps Now card featuring pieces of the baseballs he threw during his MLB debut.
Launched in 2023, the MLB Debut Patch program has featured 91 players who have made their debuts with 1/1 cards added to the 2023 Topps Chrome Update Series. For a complete list of MLB Debut cards, click here.
During the 2024 season, there have already been 84 players who have made their MLB debuts, including top prospects Jackson Holliday (Orioles), Yoshinobu Yamamoto (Dodgers), Jackson Chourio (Brewers), Shota Imanaga (Cubs) and Jackson Merrill (Padres), among others.
There was so much buzz surrounding the program in its first season that Dave & Adams made a $150,000 offer for the 1/1 MLB Debut Patch card of New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe.
Also See: Are collectors overlooking Mookie Betts?
