Introduction
Vanessa Hudgens and former professional baseball player Cole Tucker have quietly built a life together since their first meeting in a Zoom meditation group during the pandemic. Their journey-from dating in 2020 to marrying in December 2023-has culminated in a growing family, with two children born in July 2024 and November 2025.
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At a Glance
- Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker married on December 2, 2023.
- They welcomed their first child in July 2024 and a second in November 2025.
- Tucker retired from baseball in March 2025 and is now pursuing coaching.
- Why it matters: The couple’s blend of Hollywood glamour and professional sports offers a rare look at how two high-profile careers can coexist and thrive.
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A Quiet Love Story
The couple’s romance began in late 2020 when they were spotted sharing a dinner at the Canyon Country Store in Los Angeles. Hudgens recalled, “After our first weekend together, I called my sister [Stella], and I was like, ‘I think I just found my future husband.'” The pair made their relationship public on Instagram on Valentine’s Day 2021, and their first red-carpet appearance together was at the Tick, Tick…Boom! premiere later that year.
They announced their engagement in February 2023, with Hudgens posting a photo of the ring on Instagram. She later described the wedding planning as “a big daunting thing – so much goes into it.” The ceremony took place privately at the Azulik City of Arts in Mexico, where Hudgens expressed that the experience “exceeded my expectations.”
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Career Highlights
Cole Tucker’s Baseball Journey
- Drafted in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates as the 24th overall pick.
- Made his MLB debut in 2019 as a shortstop.
- Joined the Arizona Diamondbacks but did not play in the majors due to injuries.
- Signed a minor-league deal with the Colorado Rockies in late 2022.
- Became a free agent in October 2023 and signed a minor-league contract with the Los Angeles Angels in January 2024.
- Made his pitching debut with the Angels in June 2024.
- Retired from playing in March 2025 and is now exploring a coaching career.
Vanessa Hudgens’s Acting Career
Hudgens has maintained a steady presence in film and television, often balancing her public appearances with her growing family life. She has been a vocal supporter of Tucker’s career, attending games and sharing moments on social media.
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Family Life
- First child born in July 2024 (gender not disclosed).
- Second child born in November 2025; Hudgens posted, “Well … I did it. Had another baby!!! What a wild ride labor is.”
- In January 2026, Tucker revealed on the Baseball Isn’t Boring podcast that the couple has “one of each,” indicating that their older child is a boy and the younger is a girl.
- Tucker has taken to “dad walks” as exercise since becoming a father of two.
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Family Connections
Cole Tucker’s family has a strong baseball pedigree. His younger brother, Carson Tucker, was drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2020 as the 23rd overall pick and played for the Lynchburg Hillcats until his release in July 2024. The Tucker household also includes parents who were athletes: Erin Tucker played track and volleyball at the University of Arizona, and Jackie Tucker played minor-league baseball.
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Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2023 | Wedding in Mexico |
| July 2024 | First child born |
| November 2025 | Second child born |
| January 2026 | Tucker announces genders on podcast |
| March 2025 | Tucker retires from playing |
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Key Takeaways
- Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker’s partnership showcases a successful blend of entertainment and sports careers.
- Their private wedding and gradual family expansion reflect a deliberate approach to balancing public life with personal milestones.
- Tucker’s transition from player to coach may open new opportunities within baseball, while Hudgens continues to support his endeavors.
- The Tucker family’s athletic legacy extends beyond Cole, with his brother Carson also achieving professional status.
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Final Thought
The story of Vanessa Hudgens and Cole Tucker illustrates how two distinct worlds-Hollywood and Major League Baseball-can intertwine to create a life rich in both public acclaim and private joy.
