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MLB Enforces Strict Height Verification As Reports of Player 'Shrinkage' Emerge

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Paranjoy Goswami | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 5:18 AM ET

The 2026 MLB season marks the introduction of the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. The implementation of the new technology should have widespread implications on the game, both foreseen and unforeseen. For starters, the height of a player has now become more important than ever.

The MLB is conducting a strict verification process to determine each player’s exact height for accurate assessment of their strike zone in the ABS challenge system. Meanwhile, some players have shown a decrease in body length compared to previously recorded data.

“We’re going to see a lot of height changes this year because, with the rollout of ABS, MLB is now measuring each player’s height down to the millimeter,” sportswriter Joe Pompliano posted on X.

“The process is super strict—no shoes, no hats, knees exposed, back against the wall—and to account for potential shrinkage throughout the day, MLB is even requiring all its teams to take measurements between 10 am and 12 pm local time on their appointed day.”

We’re going to see a lot of height changes this year because, with the rollout of ABS, MLB is now measuring each player's height down to the millimeter.

The process is super strict — no shoes, no hats, knees exposed, back against the wall — and to account for potential shrinkage… https://t.co/vcrn4hyUHa
— Joe Pompliano (@JoePompliano) March 20, 2026

Gavin Lux was listed at 6’2″ by MLB.com when he was with the Cincinnati Reds last season. He is now listed at 5’11” for the Tampa Bay Rays. Bo Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians also apparently became shorter. He was an even 6′ last season but dropped three inches this year.

MLB Players Ensuring True Body Height Is Recorded For ABS Purposes

Billy Heyen of The Sporting News stated that the MLB players are making sure their exact height gets recorded. He says it is all because of the ABS system coming into force. They understand every inch will make a massive difference to the size of their strike zone.

“Every little bit counts when it comes to getting strike calls right and how they impact games,” Heyen wrote. “The ABS system will set up the upper and lower portions of the zone based on percentages of a given player’s height. So if a hitter has his height listed as too tall, then he’ll have a bigger strike zone.

Players' heights have been changing around the league due to measuring for ABS.@ErikKratz31 shares some thoughts about the new heights around the league. pic.twitter.com/72vY5ASW3r
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 20, 2026

“Players around the league don’t want that, and so they’ve made sure to nail down their accurate height. Even if it sounds less cool, the change could pay off in the batter’s box.”

The New York Yankees will face the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park for the 2026 season opener on March 25. Therefore, it will become the first MLB game to have the ABS system in place.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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