Mariners Teammates Raleigh and Arozarena Downplay WBC Handshake Snub

Cal Raleigh says 'there's no beef' with Randy Arozarena after their viral moment during USA-Mexico game

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:26pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh said he reached out to teammate Randy Arozarena to clear the air after their in-game encounter during Monday's World Baseball Classic game between Team USA and Mexico went viral. Arozarena had expressed his apparent displeasure after Raleigh did not reciprocate his handshake at home plate, but Raleigh said 'there's no beef' and that they are 'family' who will continue to be 'good friends' when they return to the Mariners.

Why it matters

The incident between the two Mariners players during the high-stakes WBC competition highlighted the intense emotions and rivalries that can emerge when teammates face off on the international stage, even if they are close off the field. However, Raleigh and Arozarena's quick resolution of the issue underscores the importance of maintaining strong team chemistry and camaraderie, even in the heat of competition.

The details

During the first inning of the USA's 5-3 win over Mexico on Monday, Raleigh and Arozarena had a moment at home plate that promptly went viral. Arozarena extended his hand to Raleigh, who was catching, but Raleigh did not reciprocate the handshake and said something to Arozarena, who leaned in closer to hear what was said. After the game, Arozarena blasted Raleigh in Spanish, saying the 'good to see you' that he said to Arozarena, he could 'shove it straight up his a--' and that Raleigh could 'f--- off' and 'go to hell'.

  • On March 13, 2026, the incident occurred during the first inning of the USA-Mexico WBC game.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners catcher who was involved in the viral handshake snub with teammate Randy Arozarena during a World Baseball Classic game.

Randy Arozarena

The Seattle Mariners outfielder who expressed his apparent displeasure after Raleigh did not reciprocate his handshake at home plate during the WBC game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Obviously, regarding the thing yesterday with Randy … I love Randy — I do. I hate that this is a thing. There's no beef. When we go back to Seattle, he's my brother. We're family. I already reached out to him.”

— Cal Raleigh (Houston Chronicle)

“That 'good to see you' that he said to me, he can shove it straight up his a--. (In Spanish) He can f--- off and go to hell.”

— Randy Arozarena (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The incident between Raleigh and Arozarena does not appear to have any clear next steps, as the two players have already resolved the issue and stated they will continue to be good friends and teammates when they return to the Mariners.

The takeaway

The brief flare-up between Mariners teammates Raleigh and Arozarena during the high-intensity World Baseball Classic underscores the competitive nature of international competition, but their quick resolution of the issue shows the importance of maintaining strong team chemistry and camaraderie, even when facing off against each other on the field.