Mariners Teammates Raleigh and Arozarena Squash WBC Handshake Spat

Cal Raleigh says he reached out to Randy Arozarena to clear the air after their on-field incident.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Mariners teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena got into a brief spat after the United States' 5-3 win over Mexico in the World Baseball Classic on Monday. Raleigh, playing for Team USA, refused to shake Arozarena's hand as the latter walked to the plate for his first at-bat. Arozarena later said Raleigh told him 'Good to see you,' which he took offense to. However, Raleigh has since reached out to Arozarena to apologize and put the incident to bed, saying he has 'all the respect' for his Seattle teammate and Team Mexico.

Why it matters

The on-field incident between Raleigh and Arozarena, who have been Mariners teammates since 2024, could have caused tension between the two players. However, Raleigh's quick action to reach out and clear the air shows the two are committed to maintaining a positive working relationship as they aim to help the Mariners return to the playoffs.

The details

In the bottom of the first inning, as Arozarena was walking to the plate for Mexico, Raleigh, the catcher for Team USA, refused to shake his hand. Arozarena later said that Raleigh had told him 'Good to see you,' which he took offense to, saying Raleigh could 'shove it up his ass.' Raleigh has since said he reached out to Arozarena to apologize, telling him 'I'm sorry if you felt disrespected,' and that he has 'all the respect' for his Mariners teammate and Team Mexico.

  • The incident occurred during the United States' 5-3 win over Mexico on Monday, March 10, 2026 in the World Baseball Classic.
  • Raleigh said he had already talked to Arozarena about the incident following the game.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The starting catcher for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic and a teammate of Randy Arozarena on the Seattle Mariners.

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder playing for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic and a teammate of Cal Raleigh on the Seattle Mariners.

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What they’re saying

“The 'good to see you' he said to me, he can shove it up his ass.”

— Randy Arozarena

“I hate that this is a thing. I really don't think this is a big deal, a big story. It shouldn't be a thing. I love Randy. I have all the respect for him and Team Mexico.”

— Cal Raleigh

“I reached out to Randy and told him, essentially, 'I'm sorry if you felt disrespected,' or whatever it may be. But we're just playing the game. I think he would want the same if I was his teammate and we were playing somebody in a playoff game. Or he'd want that same kind of energy from me. So I think that's kind of how I see it. And I reached out and put it to bed.”

— Cal Raleigh

What’s next

Raleigh and Arozarena will look to put the incident behind them as they continue to represent their respective teams in the World Baseball Classic. The two will also aim to help the Seattle Mariners return to the playoffs after falling in the ALCS last season.

The takeaway

The quick resolution of the on-field spat between Mariners teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena shows their commitment to maintaining a positive working relationship, even when emotions run high during high-stakes international competition. Their ability to put the incident behind them is a testament to their professionalism and leadership.