MLB Players Shrink as New Measurement Standards Take Effect

Over 200 hitters have lost at least an inch off their listed heights due to strict new protocols.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:21pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color in a vibrant, abstract style.The new era of precise player measurements has shaken up the visual landscape of baseball, with over half the league's hitters now officially shorter than their previous listed heights.NYC Today

Major League Baseball has implemented a new, more accurate system for measuring player heights, resulting in over 200 hitters officially losing at least an inch off their listed heights. The changes have impacted players across the league, with some stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bryce Harper dropping 2 inches. The new protocols involve laser measurements and strict poses to ensure precise readings, putting an end to the long-standing practice of inflating heights on baseball cards.

Why it matters

The height changes have significant implications, as taller players tend to have larger strike zones in MLB's automated ball-strike challenge system. Shorter players may now have an advantage, as they can potentially get more favorable strike zone calls. The drastic height revisions also raise questions about the accuracy of historical player data and the culture of exaggerating heights that has existed in baseball.

The details

Under the new measurement system, players are required to stand with their feet together, without shoes, and have their hair flattened down to ensure an accurate reading. They are measured three times between 10am and 12pm to account for potential height fluctuations throughout the day. The data is then recorded in centimeters, with players' heights officially listed in feet and inches. Of the 430 hitters on opening day rosters, 225 lost at least 1 inch off their listed heights, with 6 players losing 3 inches and 48 losing 2 inches.

  • The new measurement protocols were introduced in 2024 and 2025 in preparation for the implementation of the automated ball-strike challenge system.
  • The height changes have been observed over the past 14 months as the new measurement system has been rolled out across the league.

The players

Miguel Rojas

A Los Angeles Dodgers infielder who was previously listed at 6 feet but is now officially 5-foot-10.

Travis d'Arnaud

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

Gavin Sheets

A San Diego Padres outfielder who shrank from 6-5 to 6-3, 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 officially 5-9, the same as the average American man.

Steven Kwan

A Cleveland Guardians outfielder who was listed at 5-9 but is now officially 5-8, noting that it's common for players to add a couple of inches to their height on baseball cards.

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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 new height measurement protocols will continue to be enforced, and it remains to be seen how the changes will impact player performance and strategy in the automated ball-strike challenge system.

The takeaway

The drastic height revisions across MLB have exposed a long-standing culture of exaggerating player heights, with over half the league's hitters now officially shorter than their previous listed measurements. This shift could provide an advantage for shorter players, while also raising questions about the accuracy of historical baseball data and the industry's reliance on self-reported heights.