Overview
- USA TODAY columnist Bob Nightengale reported on Sunday that seven veteran umpires informed Major League Baseball they will accept voluntary buyouts and retire after the 2026 season.
- C.B. Bucknor, who has not worked since a foul tip struck his mask on April 1, told the league he will take the buyout and finish his 30‑year career at season’s end.
- MLB’s Automated Ball‑Strike (ABS) system intensified scrutiny this year by overturning multiple Bucknor plate calls, including six ball–strike reversals in an Opening Week game that drew public and player criticism.
- The other umpires taking buyouts are Laz Diaz, Brian O’Nora, Lance Barksdale, Marvin Hudson, Tony Randazzo and Andy Fletcher, creating immediate vacancies for new hires.
- The exits could clear a path for hires such as Jen Pawol, who has already worked regular‑season games and would be in line to become MLB’s first full‑time female umpire if promoted next season.