Veteran MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor is set to retire after the 2026 season, according to multiple reports. The news comes as Bucknor, who has worked for roughly three decades, accepts a voluntary buyout from Major League Baseball rather than continuing through the end of his current term. Reports also say that several other umpires will leave the league at the same time, with one source describing a group of seven umpires accepting the buyout and retiring after 2026.
The outlets describe Bucknor as a longtime figure in MLB officiating and note that he has drawn frequent public scrutiny over the years. Some coverage highlights criticism from players and managers about his performance, and mentions attention tied to the early days of MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS).
In addition, one report states that Bucknor has missed months of work after being hit by a foul ball off his facemask. Together, the accounts indicate Bucknor’s retirement timing aligns with MLB’s voluntary buyout process and a broader umpire change planned for after the 2026 season.
