As the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) season advances, fans are not only keeping a close eye on the game but also on the personal lives of the players. Relationships between star athletes and their partners often captivate the public, showcasing a blend of love, support, and shared experiences both on and off the field.
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Among the notable couples making headlines are Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander and his wife, model Kate Upton. The pair first crossed paths in 2012 during a commercial shoot. After a few years of dating, Verlander popped the question in 2016, and they married in Italy shortly after he celebrated a World Series victory with the Houston Astros. The couple has two children, and Verlander has openly praised Upton’s unwavering support during his struggles, crediting her with being a crucial source of strength throughout his career.
Another impressive duo are New York Yankees centre fielder Cody Bellinger and his fiancée, model Chase Carter. They made their relationship official in October 2020, and in June 2023, Bellinger proposed in Chicago. The pair welcomed two daughters, Caiden and Cy, into the world in 2021 and 2023 respectively, with whispers suggesting they may have eloped in December 2023.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with his partner, Brianna Hammonds, whom he proposed to in 2021. Their love story began in middle school, and they’ve since navigated life together, culminating in a beautiful wedding ceremony in December 2021. Now parents to three children, Betts has consistently expressed gratitude for Hammonds, acknowledging her as his closest companion and support system.
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor and his wife, Katia Reguero, are another couple that have captured the attention of fans. Lindor and Reguero tied the knot in December 2021 and are proud parents to three children. Reguero has made her own mark as a musician and podcast host, recently performing the national anthem on violin at a Mets game, where she moved Lindor to tears with her emotional performance.
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson and his wife, soccer star Mallory Pugh, share a competitive nature that fuels their relationship. Introduced by a mutual friend, the two began dating in 2017 and married in December 2022. Their first child, daughter Josie James, arrived in November 2025. Swanson prioritises spending time with Pugh, always making an effort to balance their demanding careers.
New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge has found stability and support in his wife, Samantha Bracksieck. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Nora Rose, in January 2025. Judge has fondly spoken of Bracksieck’s calm nature in the face of his fame and the pressures of professional sports.
On the other hand, Gerrit Cole, pitcher for the New York Yankees, has shared a heartwarming connection with his wife, Amy Cole (née Crawford). The pair met while both were at UCLA and wed in 2016. They have two children and continue to celebrate each other’s accomplishments, notably during Gerrit’s record-breaking signing with the Yankees.
Among this season’s emerging couples is Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne. Their relationship blossomed in college, where they met through mutual friends. Dunne, who has turned into a successful model and influencer, attended Skenes’ MLB debut in May 2024 and has continued to cheer him on. The couple maintains a long-distance relationship, with Skenes playing in Pittsburgh and Dunne residing in South Florida, but they prioritise making time for each other amidst their busy schedules.
As the MLB season unfolds, these couples remind fans that behind the sport, there are rich stories of love, resilience, and unwavering support. The dynamics of their relationships add a personal touch to the game, showing that while athletes may excel on the diamond, their true strength often stems from those who stand by them off the field.