Justin Verlander Credits Wife Kate Upton for Helping Him Through Depression

Justin Verlander Concludes MLB Career

Justin Verlander has officially ended his 21-season MLB career. The 43-year-old pitcher made his final start on September 26, 2026, against the Pittsburgh Pirates, concluding an injury-hit final season with the Detroit Tigers, the same team where his career began.

Away from baseball, Justin Verlander is married to model and actress Kate Upton, who has been a constant source of support through the highs and lows of his life.

Kate Upton's Support During Depression

Back in 2014, when Justin Verlander was playing as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and facing high ERAs, low win totals, and giving up more runs than any pitcher in the American League, he believed his career was over and fell into depression. During that difficult time, Kate Upton helped him get out of that place.