Among those who voiced strong criticism was Jared Carrabis, who wrote on X: “I think CB Bucknor might actually be worse at his job than anyone in the world is at any of their respective jobs. He is that laughably bad.” It was just one of many reactions after Bucknor became the most challenged umpire so far this season.

Bucknor, a 63-year-old umpire with more than 20 years of MLB experience, is widely recognized around the league. Still, the backlash was intense, especially after Eugenio Suárez won back-to-back challenges against him during the game.

Criticism piles up on Bucknor

It was clear Bucknor is still adjusting to the ABS challenge system, but the Reds–Red Sox matchup proved particularly rough. One user wrote on X: “Absolutely electric… CB Bucknor noticeably annoyed when he tapped the 2nd time only to be wrong again and listen to 40,000 people cheer for his incompetence.”

Even before the game, Reds broadcaster Sam LeCure predicted the matchup could turn into a challenge-heavy contest, leaving his booth partner stunned. That prediction came true, as Bucknor faced eight total challenges, six of which were overturned.

By the end of the sixth inning, Bucknor had already seen all six of his calls reversed. Alex Cora was ejected during the game and later said, “He has one job to do … It wasn’t his best day,” summing up the frustration surrounding the performance.

“This happens when you want to be the protagonist. This has to be one of CB Bucknor’s worst performances. He’s going to get exposed many times with the technology,” wrote Daniel Alvarez-Montes on X, pointing to how new tech could continue to highlight umpire inconsistencies.

When could Bucknor retire?

It remains unclear when Bucknor might retire. MLB umpires typically step away in their 50s or early 60s, though some extend their careers well beyond that. One example is Ángel Hernández, who stayed on the job until age 69.

If Bucknor does retire, he would be eligible for a pension estimated between $150,000 and $200,000 annually. Having surpassed the minimum age and service requirements, he would also qualify for full benefits, including lifetime health and life insurance.

The numbers don’t lie: Diaz 50% overturn rate highlights the growing pains of MLB’s new challenge era. Even with years of data from the minor leagues showing that over half of all challenges are typically upheld, veteran umpires are still finding the transition to the ‘Robot Ump’ era a difficult one to navigate.

Other umpires have also been heavily tested by the ABS challenge system early in the season. CB Bucknor and Adrian Johnson each have 8 challenges so far, with six and five overturned calls respectively.

The most challenged umpires in 2026

Some umpires have clearly felt the pressure when players challenge calls. It often shows on the home plate umpire’s face when they have to activate the microphone and announce that a batter or catcher has challenged a pitch, with even pitchers occasionally getting involved.

With only a handful of games played, this season could turn into a record-setting year for challenges, especially for veteran umpires who have long been scrutinized for controversial calls.

While pitcher-initiated challenges are still relatively rare, they have appeared early in 2026, even though managers like Alex Cora made it clear before the season that they prefer pitchers not to use the ABS system.

Could challenges become “unlimited”?

Each team is allowed two challenges on balls and strikes. If the umpire’s call is overturned, the team keeps the challenge; if the call stands, they lose one. Given the pace seen on Opening Day, where some games featured multiple successful challenges, it’s fair to expect home plate umpires to face a high volume of reviews throughout the season, adding another layer of pressure to their role.

The first challenge of the 2026 season

The first challenge of the season came from Jose Caballero of the New York Yankees, who disputed a strike call by Bill Miller against the San Francisco Giants, though the call was not overturned. The first successful challenge belonged to Francisco Alvarez on March 26, one day after the first ever challenge. This time, the call was reversed, overturning a ball call in his favor.

An MLB umpire’s salary is up to $50,000 more than referees from other major leagues, according to Bleacher Report. Moreover, not everybody’s suited for the job, as just 15%-20% of those who attend college actually make it to the graduation, as per MLB.

These guys have to deal with the ego of the players, the jeers and cursing from the fans, and the constant attitude from the managers. So, if you were wondering how much money do MLB umpires make, well, let’s just say it makes up for it. Let’s break it down.

How Much Do MLB Umpires Make?

Like in most jobs, an MLB umpiresalary can fluctuate a lot throughout the years. They can make up to $120,000 a year when they first enter the league but they can eventually get as much as $300,000 annually. The average salary is $235,000 per year.

Yes, that may not seem like much if you compare it with the $27 million Mookie Betts makes a year, but for a guy that’s often overlooked when discussing sports, it’s still a pretty decent paycheck.

How Many Games Do MLB Umpires Work In One Season?

Well, nothing’s free in life. MLB umpires make more money than the average person but they also have to work a lot throughout the season. It pays that much because it’s the ultimate full-time job.

An MLB umpire can work as much as 142 regular-season games in one season. The total is obviously higher because of the postseason, but rookie umpires aren’t likely to be called in for the playoffs that often.

How Much Do MLB Umpires Make A Game?

Well, this will obviously vary depending on how much money theumpire is earning per year. Rookie MLB umpires making $120,000 a year and refereeing 142 games a season can make as much as $845 per game, while those making $235,000 can make $1,654.92 a game.

But if you’re one of the big fish making $300,000 a year, you can make as much as $2,112.67 bucks per game. No wonder how they manage to keep their cool with all those people yelling at them.

How Much MLB Umpires Make In One Season?

On top of their base salary, MLB umpires get$340 a day for travel expenses, plus first-class traveling. Those who work a full postseason can get an extra $20,000 plus expenses, and they all get 4 weeks of fully-paid vacations during the regular season.

That means an MLB umpire salary can go from $140,000 to $320,000 a year, plus expenses and a huge pension. That’s why you rarely see an opening for these kinds of jobs, as they want to hold on to it for as long as they can.