Kate Upton, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit icon and wife of Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, made sure all eyes were on her at this year's MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia. The model turned heads on the red carpet, sparking a wave of praise from fans who declared her the ultimate MLB WAG.
Verlander, who was selected as MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's 'Legend Pick' for the American League roster, announced that this would be his final season. Despite a challenging year that saw him pitch just one game, the three-time Cy Young winner expressed gratitude for the honor. 'I want to thank the Commissioner for the incredible honor of being selected to the All-Star game,' Verlander said. 'The opportunity to attend once again is something I’ll cherish, and it will be an incredibly special moment for me and my family.'
The 43-year-old pitcher also shared a heartfelt message for his wife, saying, 'To my family, especially my wife Kate, thank you for standing beside me through every season, every rehab, and every high and low. I couldn’t have done this without you. It’s time for the next chapter.'
While Verlander didn't pitch in the game, the couple's red carpet appearance became the talk of social media. Fans flooded X with compliments, with one writing, 'Having seen Kate Upton in person at a Thunder game I can honestly say Justin Verlander is a HOF’er for putting a ring on her because she was gorgeous.' Another fan declared, 'Kate Upton is the Babe Ruth of MLB WAG,' while a third noted, 'She has aged impeccably.'
Upton and Verlander's love story began on the set of a commercial for Major League Baseball 2K12, and they got engaged in 2016. In a 2018 interview, Verlander credited Upton with helping him through a period of depression, saying, 'I don’t like to talk to people about being hurt. As athletes, you’re not supposed to … But [Upton] was someone I could talk to. I mean, basically a therapist. Somebody I could trust with … worries about my career. Worries about, ‘Can I make it?’'
The couple now shares two children, daughter Genevieve and son Bellamy, who joined them on the red carpet at Independence Mall. Upton's stunning outfit drew comparisons to other viral sports fashion moments, like Kate Middleton's Wimbledon style masterclass and Gracie Hunt's daring World Cup outfit.
Verlander's selection to the All-Star Game wasn't without controversy, as fans furious over his 12.27 ERA questioned the pick. But for the Verlander family, the night was a celebration of a legendary career and a glimpse into what's next.
