When Dustin May stalks toward the mound, you notice two things immediately: that shock of ginger hair and the fact that he seems to keep going up forever. He isn't just a tall guy. He is a presence. Fans and scouts have spent years marveling at his levers, wondering exactly how much height goes into that triple-digit sinker.
So, let's get right to it. Dustin May is 6 feet 6 inches tall. In a world of "official" sports measurements that sometimes feel like they were taken in platform shoes, May is a true 6'6". He's essentially a skyscraper in cleats. But his height isn't just a number for the back of a baseball card. It's the literal engine behind one of the most electric arms in the game. Honestly, when you're that long and lanky, the physics of pitching change completely.
The Long and Short of It: Why Dustin May's Height Matters
You've probably heard the term "extension" a thousand times during a broadcast. Basically, because Dustin May is 6'6", his release point is significantly closer to the hitter than a guy who's 5'10". It’s a terrifying advantage.
When he lets go of a 100-mph heater, the hitter isn't seeing a pitch from 60 feet, 6 inches away. Because of those long arms and his massive stride, he's actually releasing the ball much closer to the plate. This makes his triple-digit velocity feel like 103 or 104 mph. It’s a nightmare for timing.
Height like that is a double-edged sword, though.
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His "lanky" frame—traditionally listed at 180 pounds for much of his career—has been a major talking point. You look at him and think, how does that thin frame hold up to that much torque? It’s a valid question. Taller pitchers often struggle with "repeatability." When you have limbs that long, keeping your mechanics in sync is like trying to fold a giant lawn chair in a windstorm. Everything has to move perfectly.
Height vs. Durability: A Growing Concern
There is a long-standing debate among scouts about tall, thin pitchers. Dustin May, nicknamed "Big Red," has unfortunately become a bit of a case study for this.
- Leverage: His 6'6" height creates incredible whip.
- Stress: That same leverage puts immense pressure on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).
- Recovery: His history with Tommy John surgery and flexor tendon issues suggests the body might be struggling to keep up with the physics of his delivery.
Recently, things have changed. Heading into the 2026 season with the St. Louis Cardinals, reports surfaced that May has finally filled out that frame. He reportedly bulked up to 220 pounds. That’s a 40-pound jump from his "official" MLB weight of 180. Honestly, it was necessary. After a bizarre esophageal tear in 2024 and recurring elbow issues, adding "good weight" might be the only way he stays on the mound for 150+ innings.
How Dustin May Stands Up to Other MLB Giants
To put his height in perspective, he’s in elite company, but he isn't the tallest.
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He’s roughly the same height as Tyler Glasnow. He’s shorter than guys like the 6'11" Jon Rauch or the 6'10" Randy Johnson. But unlike "The Big Unit," May doesn't just use his height for a downward angle. He uses it to create horizontal "filth."
His sinker has more "run" than almost anyone else in the league. When you combine a 6'6" release height with nearly 20 inches of horizontal break, the ball basically teleports. You can see why the Dodgers—and now the Cardinals—are so obsessed with his potential.
The 2026 "Prove It" Year in St. Louis
Last year was a weird one. May split time between the Dodgers and Red Sox, and honestly, the results weren't great. His ERA ballooned to 4.96. His velocity, which usually sits in the high 90s, dipped into the mid-94 range.
People started asking: Is the 6'6" frame failing?
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The Cardinals don't think so. They signed him to a one-year, $12.5 million deal for 2026. The bet is that the extra weight (that 220-lb figure we mentioned) will stabilize his mechanics. If he can use his height to get back to that 90th percentile velocity, he’s a steal. If not, he might be relegated to a high-leverage relief role where his height can be an asset in short bursts.
What You Should Know About the "Big Red" Build
If you're following May this season, keep an eye on his "landing leg." For a guy who is 6'6", his leg lift is surprisingly high and violent. It’s part of what makes him "Big Red," but it's also what makes scouts hold their breath.
- Official Height: 6'6" (198 cm)
- New Weight: ~220 lbs (Up from 180-195 lbs)
- Wingspan: Estimated at nearly 7 feet.
The height is fixed, but the strength is the new variable. If you're a Cardinals fan—or just a fan of "stuff"—you want to see May using that 6'6" frame to drive through the catcher, not just whipping the ball with his arm.
To truly understand Dustin May's value, you have to look past the box score. Watch his release point. Check the Statcast data on his extension. If he's releasing the ball 7.5 feet in front of the rubber, he's back. If he's standing tall and throwing "short," something is wrong. The height is his greatest weapon, provided his health finally allows him to use it for a full season.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Extension: If May's release point is consistently 7+ feet from the rubber, his height is working for him.
- Monitor the Weight: A heavier May (220 lbs+) is likely a more durable May; look for him to maintain this throughout the 2026 season.
- Check the Sinker Velocity: His height-driven leverage should keep him at 97-99 mph; anything lower suggests he's compensating for his arm or back.