C.B. Bucknor to retire as MLB umpire after 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 5:50 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
C.B. Bucknor will retire from officiating after accepting MLB's buyout offer, as reported on July 5, 2026. Bucknor, who began his career in 1996, will conclude his time in the league as the longest-tenured active umpire, having last officiated on April 1 following an injury from a foul ball. His performance has drawn criticism over the years, being frequently labeled among the worst umpires in MLB history. Six other umpires will join him in retirement at the end of the season.
- •Bucknor accepted MLB's buyout offer to retire after the 2026 season.
- •He last umpired on April 1, 2026, after an injury.
- •Throughout his career, Bucknor faced significant criticism from players and managers.
- •He became the longest-tenured active umpire before his retirement announcement.
- •Six other umpires will also retire following the 2026 season.
- 7:28 PMYahoo Sports — CB Bucknor, Laz Diaz among MLB umpires to retire after 2026 season
- 5:50 PMYahoo Sports — Veteran MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor to reportedly retire after the 2026 season, accepting buyou
"MLB will be seeing a small exodus of umpires after the season, as seven umps will take a buyout to retire after this year. Reported by Bob Nightengale.
"Bucknor has frequently been singled out for his poor performance during his 30-year career, notably by MLB players and managers.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 7:28 PMCB Bucknor, Laz Diaz among MLB umpires to retire after 2026 season
MLB will be seeing a small exodus of umpires after the season, as seven umps will take a buyout to retire after this year. Reported by Bob Nightengale.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 5:50 PMVeteran MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor to reportedly retire after the 2026 season, accepting buyou
Bucknor has frequently been singled out for his poor performance during his 30-year career, notably by MLB players and managers.
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