What happened: C.B. Bucknor has accepted MLB’s buyout offer and will retire after the 2026 season. The 63-year-old has not worked since an April 1 game between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays, when a foul ball struck his mask.

Why it matters: Bucknor began umpiring in 1996 and became MLB’s longest-tenured active umpire after Phil Cuzzi retired in February. His departure is part of a broader turnover, with seven umpires accepting buyouts.

What to watch: Watch whether Bucknor returns before the season ends and how MLB fills the vacancies created by seven retirements.