In a move that might raise a few eyebrows, it turns out some Minnesota Twins players are officially a bit shorter this spring. But don't worry, they haven't been shrinking over the offseason. Instead, it's all part of a new league-wide measurement system tied to the Automated Ball Strike (ABS) challenge system.
If this feels like a blast from the past, you're not alone. Remember those high school roster sheets where players magically grew an inch or two?
Well, those days are over in the big leagues. With ABS in play, precision is now the name of the game.
Why MLB is Focusing on Exact Heights
The ABS challenge system, after several seasons of minor league testing, is making its debut in the majors. This system allows teams to challenge certain ball-or-strike calls using a computer-generated strike zone tailored to each hitter's height. That means even the tiniest discrepancy in a player's height can affect the outcome of a pitch.
To ensure accuracy, MLB has introduced a standardized measuring process. Players are now measured without shoes or hats, standing tall with heels together and knees visible. Measurements are taken between 10 AM and noon to account for natural height variations throughout the day.
As Brewers assistant GM Will Hudgins explains, “People shrink over the course of a day. I’m not entirely sure how much, but I’ve been told that enough times to believe that it is scientifically true.” So, MLB is leaving nothing to chance.
While these changes might not seem earth-shattering, they're significant. Across the league, players are now being measured slightly shorter than their previous listings. It's not about shrinking; it's about consistent measurement across all teams.
Take Alex Bregman, for example. He was listed at 6 feet two seasons ago, then 5-foot-11 last season, and now he's an inch shorter as we head into 2026.
Why This Matters More Than You Might Think
At first glance, this might seem like a quirky spring training tidbit. However, it directly impacts game outcomes.
For instance, a slightly lower strike zone for a player like Buxton could mean a borderline high fastball is called a ball instead of a strike. Over a season, these small margins can add up.
ABS has already gone through several iterations in the minors, where players and teams have gotten comfortable with the technology. As it rolls out in MLB, the expectation is a smoother process, though it will surely spark some debate.
Strike zones have always been a blend of science and art. Now, the league is leaning more into the science. Baseball has long been called a game of inches, and this season, that notion is more literal than ever.
So, while the Twins aren't actually shrinking, the new measuring system tied to the strike zone is defining them-and the rest of the league-with greater precision. In a sport where a fraction of an inch can change an at-bat, that's a game-changer.