Kate Upton Sizzles in Barely-There Bikini for SI Swim

Justin Verlander's model wife celebrates Tigers home opener in navy and orange swimwear.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:35am

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Kate Upton, the stunning model wife of Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander, recently posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in a strappy, barely-there bikini in the team's signature navy and orange colors. The photos were shared on social media to celebrate the Tigers' home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Why it matters

Upton has been a frequent face in the iconic SI Swimsuit issue, gracing the cover multiple times over the years. Her latest shoot showcases her enduring modeling career and the continued popularity of the Tigers franchise, which Verlander rejoined this year after stints with several other MLB teams.

The details

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Instagram account shared the photos of Upton, 33, posing in the two-piece swimsuit, with the caption "Kate Upton + Tigers Home Opener = the content we needed today." Fans in the comments praised Upton's stunning appearance and expressed excitement for Verlander's return to the Tigers, the team that drafted him in 2004.

  • The Tigers played their home opener against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 3, 2026.
  • Verlander agreed to a one-year, $13 million contract to return to the Tigers on February 10, 2026.

The players

Kate Upton

A 33-year-old model who has appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue multiple times, including on the cover. She is married to Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander.

Justin Verlander

A 43-year-old MLB pitcher who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2004 and played for the team until 2017. He recently signed a one-year, $13 million contract to return to the Tigers after stints with the Houston Astros, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants.

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The takeaway

Upton's latest SI Swimsuit shoot not only showcases her enduring modeling career but also the continued popularity of the Detroit Tigers franchise, which has welcomed back star pitcher Justin Verlander after several years away. The team's navy and orange colors are a perfect fit for Upton's sizzling swimwear.