diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index 3e33044b88a..165f69a3a02 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ repositories {
     mavenLocal()
 }
 
-final htsjdkVersion = System.getProperty('htsjdk.version','2.22.0')
+final htsjdkVersion = System.getProperty('htsjdk.version','2.23.0')
 final picardVersion = System.getProperty('picard.version','2.22.8')
 final barclayVersion = System.getProperty('barclay.version','3.0.0')
 final sparkVersion = System.getProperty('spark.version', '2.4.5')