MLB umpire C.B. Bucknor's rough week sparks retirement speculation amid ABS scrutiny
Veteran umpire C.B. Bucknor has faced another difficult week in Major League Baseball. His calls were repeatedly challenged, and he left a game early after being struck by a foul ball. The incidents have reignited discussions about his future in the league. Bucknor's troubles began on Tuesday during a match between the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers. He missed a call at first base, which replay officials later overturned. Later in the same game, a foul ball hit him, though he continued working.
The following day, his struggles continued in a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox. Eight of his ball/strike calls were challenged, with six being reversed. Frustration grew, and Red Sox manager Alex Cora was ejected after a disputed decision. By Wednesday, Bucknor was replaced behind the plate by Chad Fairchild.
The 2026 season has seen increased scrutiny of umpires due to the MLB's Automated Ball/Strike (ABS) challenge system, which uses tracking tech to check pitch accuracy. So far, catchers have won 64.1% of ABS challenges, while batters succeed 42.3% of the time. Bucknor's recent errors have led to speculation that he may prefer retirement over adapting to the new system.
His reputation has long been contentious. Players voted him the worst umpire in MLB in Sports Illustrated surveys in 2003 and 2006. A 2010 ESPN poll also ranked him last among all umpires. Bucknor's latest performances have raised questions about his role in the modern game. With the ABS system exposing inconsistencies, his future remains uncertain. For now, he continues to work, though under growing pressure from players and managers alike.
