MLB Players Shrink as League Enforces Strict Height Measurements

More than half of MLB hitters lost at least an inch off their listed heights under new standardized measuring process

Apr. 4, 2026 at 8:20pm

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In a sweeping change across Major League Baseball, over 200 players have seen their listed heights reduced by 1 to 3 inches due to a new strict and standardized measurement process implemented by the league. The changes have impacted players of all sizes, with even some superstars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper losing 2 inches off their previous listed heights. The new system, which involves precise laser measurements and a standardized pose, has exposed the long-standing practice of players and teams inflating heights on rosters and baseball cards.

Why it matters

The height changes have significant implications for the game, as player height directly impacts the size of the strike zone used in the league's automated ball-strike challenge system. Shorter players now have a strategic advantage, as their smaller strike zones make it harder for pitchers to get them out. The height revelations also shine a light on the long-standing practice of exaggerating player heights, which was previously accepted as common practice across the sport.

The details

The new height measurement process includes a strict pose with feet together, no shoes, and pants rolled above the knees. Lasers are used alongside hand measurements, and all players are measured three times between 10am and 12pm to standardize the process. Of the 430 hitters on opening day rosters, 225 lost at least 1 inch off their listed heights, with 6 players losing 3 inches, 48 losing 2 inches, and 171 losing 1 inch. On the other hand, only 45 players gained an inch, and 2 gained 2 inches. In total, the height changes have resulted in nearly 20 feet of collective height loss across the league, the equivalent of three Aaron Judges disappearing from the sport.

  • The new strict height measurement process was introduced in 2024 and 2025 ahead of the implementation of the automated ball-strike challenge system.
  • The height changes have been in effect for the past 14 months, since the start of the 2025 season.

The players

Miguel Rojas

A Los Angeles Dodgers infielder who was previously listed at 6 feet but is now listed at 5-foot-10, reflecting his true height.

Travis d'Arnaud

A 37-year-old Los Angeles Angels catcher who went from being listed at 6-foot-2 to 6-foot-0.

Gavin Sheets

A San Diego Padres outfielder who went from being listed at 6-foot-5 to 6-foot-3, but is still considered part of the 6-foot club.

Bo Naylor

A Cleveland Guardians catcher who was previously listed at an even 6 feet but is now listed at 5-foot-9, the same as the average American man.

Steven Kwan

A Cleveland Guardians outfielder who was previously listed at 5-foot-9 but is now listed at 5-foot-8, noting that it's common for shorter players to get listed at taller heights.

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What they’re saying

“I always pressed the guys who did the measurement to leave me as 6 feet. Because I was like: 'I'm so close to being 6 feet. What can we do? What can we do to put me at 6 feet?' I think it's better optics.”

— Miguel Rojas, Los Angeles Dodgers infielder

“It's always been like that, from what I remember; I feel like everybody always put an inch or two taller.”

— Travis d'Arnaud, Los Angeles Angels catcher

“If it gets me a smaller zone, then I'm with it. It's been funny seeing all the memes.”

— Bo Naylor, Cleveland Guardians catcher

“It's crazy how everybody across the league's gone down. I think everybody's all for it. I wish I shrunk more.”

— Gavin Sheets, San Diego Padres outfielder

“It's common knowledge: You add 2 or 3 inches to it. I can't really get away with that. I feel like when you're 5-10 and up, you can get away with that.”

— Steven Kwan, Cleveland Guardians outfielder

What’s next

The league is expected to continue enforcing the strict height measurement process, with players and teams no longer able to inflate listed heights. This could lead to further height adjustments in the future as the new standardized system becomes fully implemented across the sport.

The takeaway

The height reckoning in MLB highlights the long-standing practice of exaggerating player heights, which was previously accepted as common across the sport. The new strict measurement process has exposed this, resulting in over half the league's hitters losing at least an inch off their listed heights. This has significant implications for the game, as player height directly impacts the strike zone used in the automated ball-strike challenge system, giving shorter players a strategic advantage.