Justin Verlander once credited Kate Upton for convincing him to join the Houston Astros

In 2018, pitcher Justin Verlander credited his wife Kate Upton for convincing him to join the Houston Astros. It was a major decision at a crucial time in Verlander's career and was a choice that would have a lasting impact on his legacy.

At the time, Verlander was a star pitcher for the Detroit Tigers and had been with them for the past 12 seasons. Additionally, he was the 2011 American League MVP, had won one Cy Young Award, and was a five-time All-Star. He was not interested in leaving Detroit, but that’s where Kate Upton stepped in.

According to Verlander, Upton encouraged him to take the opportunity. He revealed that he wouldn't have gone forward with the last-minute trade without her approval.

"If she had been anything less than enthusiastic. I probably wouldn’t have done it,” Verlander was quoted as saying by Bleacher Report.

"Justin Verlander traded to Houston. It's time." - Slappy Craig Monroe

Verlander took his wife's advice, and the rest is history. With the Houston Astros, he went on to clinch two World Series championships (2017 and 2022). In December, Verlander signed an $86.7 million, two-year contract with the New York Mets in free agency.

Justin Verlander received his third AL Cy Young Award in 2022

2023 BBWAA Dinner NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 28: Justin receives the American League Cy Young Award during the 2023 Baseball Writers' Association of America awards dinner at New York Hilton on January 28, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)

On Wednesday, Justin Verlander won his third American League Cy Young Award. He previously received the honor in 2011 and 2019.

The American League Cy Young Award is given to the best MLB pitchers of the previous season. Commissioner Ford Frick established the award in 1956 as a tribute to Hall of Fame pitcher Cy Young, who passed away in 1955.

"Your Cy Young winners." - Talkin' Baseball

Justin's wife, Kate, was in attendance on the day Verlander received the prestigious award. She dressed elegantly for the big day and exuded confidence, glowing at Verlander's success.