Three of MLB's worst-rated umpires are all retiring this season
The second half of the Major League Baseball season begins tonight across the league, and with it comes a confirmed exit window for three of the sport's lowest-rated officials. Laz Diaz, Brian O'Nora, and CB Bucknor have each accepted buyouts and will retire when the season closes, per the unofficial umpire tracking site umpscorecards.com. All three rank among the worst-performing umpires in the league by accuracy this year.
Key takeaways
- MLB umpires Laz Diaz, Brian O'Nora, and CB Bucknor have each accepted buyouts and will retire when this season ends, per umpscorecards.com.
- All three rank among the league's worst umpires by accuracy this year: Bucknor is first-worst at 91.33%, O'Nora seventh, and Diaz eighth.
- Seven umpires in total have accepted buyouts and will not return after this season, with the other four posting better accuracy than the trio but still not ranking among the league's better officials.
- The article raises two unresolved explanations for the trio's poor grades: operating past their primes, or reduced effort in a final season, likened to 'senioritis.'
- Jan Pawol, currently the third-worst umpire this season, does not appear to have been offered a buyout.
The second half of the Major League Baseball season begins tonight across the league, and with it comes a confirmed exit window for three of the sport's lowest-rated officials. Laz Diaz, Brian O'Nora, and CB Bucknor have each accepted buyouts and will retire when the season closes, per the unofficial umpire tracking site umpscorecards.com. All three rank among the worst-performing umpires in the league by accuracy this year.
The accuracy numbers
Bucknor carries the worst accuracy mark of any active umpire: 91.33%. O'Nora and Diaz both sit just above 92%. On the site's performance rankings for the current campaign, Bucknor holds the first spot on the worst-performers list, O'Nora seventh, and Diaz eighth.
Seven umpires in total have accepted buyouts and will not return after this season. The other four from that group post accuracy figures above the trio, though none rank among the better officials on the site. Not close.
Two explanations, no verdict
The alignment of poor accuracy grades and confirmed retirement dates leaves a genuine question without a clean answer. Are these officials simply operating past their primes, with the scorecards as the evidence? Or does a fixed end date reduce effort in the back half of a final season? The source draws a parallel to "senioritis," the familiar pattern where output fades once a finish line is set.
Bucknor's record from the opening months drew particular notice. His 91.33% accuracy sits alone at the bottom. Even within a group of struggling officials, the gap is visible.
Jan Pawol, a recurring target of criticism from fans and broadcasters, currently ranks as the third-worst umpire this season. The source notes she does not appear to have been offered a buyout.
What to watch
Performance data at umpscorecards.com will update through the remainder of the schedule, building the final statistical record for all seven outgoing officials. Whether Major League Baseball acts before the season ends or simply lets the retirements play out is the next confirmable development. Seven departures are locked in. Bucknor's 91.33% accuracy goes with him.
Filed by the newsroom of MarketPR on July 17, 2026. Source: foxnews.com. Indicative figures are not investment advice.