Kate Upton’s husband is Justin Verlander, a professional baseball pitcher. They married in 2017 and share two children together. Verlander is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion who retired after the 2026 MLB season.
Who Is Justin Verlander?
Justin Verlander is one of the most accomplished pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He was selected by the Detroit Tigers with the second overall pick in the 2004 MLB Draft and made his debut the following year . Over 21 seasons, he established himself as a future Hall of Famer with a career record of 266-159 and a 3.33 ERA .
His accolades include the 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award, making him one of the few pitchers to win both in the same season . He added Cy Young honors in 2019 and 2022 while pitching for the Houston Astros . Verlander also threw three no-hitters and recorded more than 3,500 strikeouts .
Verlander announced his retirement in July 2026, choosing to finish his career where it began with the Detroit Tigers . He was honored as a Legend Pick for the 2026 All-Star Game by Commissioner Rob Manfred . His final start at Comerica Park in September 2026 became an emotional family affair .
How Kate Upton and Justin Verlander Met
The couple first met in February 2012 while filming a commercial for the video game Major League Baseball 2K12 . At the time, Verlander was already a star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, while Upton was rising in the modeling world. Their relationship developed gradually, with Verlander later describing their early connection as a friendship that grew over time .
Their path was not entirely smooth. The couple briefly separated in 2013 before reuniting in 2014 during a trip to the Bahamas . That reconciliation marked a turning point, and they became a steady presence at each other’s professional events. Upton supported Verlander through injuries and career challenges, while he cheered her modeling and acting pursuits .
Verlander proposed in 2016, and Upton revealed the engagement at the Met Gala that year when she appeared with a diamond ring . The jeweler Anita Ko later confirmed that Verlander wanted a one-of-a-kind ring to reflect their exceptional love . The proposal marked the beginning of a new chapter for the couple.Quick Bio Table: Kate Upton
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Kate Upton and Justin Verlander’s Wedding
Kate Upton and Justin Verlander married in November 2017 in Tuscany, Italy . The timing was extraordinary: Verlander had just won the World Series with the Houston Astros days earlier . Rather than postpone, the couple flew directly from the championship celebration to their wedding venue, where nearly 100 friends and family members awaited them .
The wedding nearly unfolded without the bride and groom. As Verlander explained on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the only thing that could disrupt their plans was a Game Seven of the World Series . The couple arrived late, and their guests even toured the venue via FaceTime before they landed. Upton shared a photo of them walking down the aisle with the caption: “I feel so lucky that I got to marry my best friend!!” .
Kate Upton and Justin Verlander’s Children
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Genevieve Upton Verlander, on November 7, 2018 . Known by the nickname Vivi, she has become a familiar presence at her father’s career milestones. She threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Verlander’s final home series in September 2026, with her father crouching behind the plate to catch it .
Their second child, son Bellamy Brooks Verlander, was born on June 19, 2025 . The family of four made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2026 MLB All-Star Red Carpet Show in Philadelphia, where Upton and Genevieve wore matching white dresses . Verlander held Bellamy throughout the event.
Verlander has spoken openly about how fatherhood reshaped his perspective. “I see my daughter, who’s seven now, and how fast that goes and how much of that time frame I’ve missed already,” he said ahead of his final start . He added that he looked forward to being present for Bellamy’s childhood in ways his baseball schedule had not allowed with Genevieve.
Balancing Careers and Family
Kate Upton built a successful career in modeling and entertainment long before her marriage. She appeared on multiple Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers, including the 2014 50th anniversary edition, and was named People’s Sexiest Woman Alive in 2014 . Her acting credits include Tower Heist, The Other Woman, and The Layover .
In 2024, Upton hosted the Hulu fashion competition series Dress My Tour, marking a return to television . She has largely stepped back from the spotlight in recent years to focus on family, though she remains active in select projects. Upton has credited motherhood with changing her entire perspective on life, telling Today that everything she does is for her daughter .
Verlander has repeatedly acknowledged Upton’s role in his career longevity. In a 2018 interview with Bleacher Report, he credited her with helping him through a period of depression and injury recovery, describing her as someone he could trust with his deepest worries about his career . His retirement statement in 2026 included a public thank you to Upton for standing beside him through every season .
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kate Upton married to? Kate Upton is married to Justin Verlander, a professional baseball pitcher who played 21 seasons in MLB .
When did Kate Upton and Justin Verlander get married? They married in November 2017 in Tuscany, Italy, just days after Verlander won the World Series with the Houston Astros .
How many children do Kate Upton and Justin Verlander have? They have two children: daughter Genevieve, born in 2018, and son Bellamy, born in 2025 .
How did Kate Upton and Justin Verlander meet? They met in 2012 while filming a commercial for the video game Major League Baseball 2K12 .
Conclusion
Kate Upton’s husband is Justin Verlander, a pitcher whose 21-year career placed him among baseball’s all-time greats. Their relationship began on a commercial set in 2012, grew through a brief separation and reconciliation, and culminated in a 2017 wedding that followed a World Series victory. Today, they are parents to two children and partners in a life that has moved beyond the demands of a professional sports schedule. As Verlander transitions into retirement, the couple enters a new chapter focused on family and shared time.
