Cal Raleigh Avoids Fist Bump with Mariners Teammate Naylor at WBC

Raleigh and Naylor explain the awkward moment was just friendly banter between close friends

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Cal Raleigh, the catcher for Team USA, found himself in another viral moment during the World Baseball Classic when he appeared to refuse a fist bump with his Seattle Mariners teammate Josh Naylor, who was playing for Canada. However, Naylor explained that the two had already discussed the fist bump beforehand, with Raleigh politely asking Naylor not to do it. Both players downplayed the incident, with Naylor calling Raleigh one of his favorite teammates and saying they were just joking around.

Why it matters

Raleigh has faced scrutiny for similar handshake snubs with other MLB players during the WBC, but this latest incident with his own Mariners teammate provides important context that the two are actually close friends off the field. The story highlights how viral moments can sometimes lack the full backstory and nuance.

The details

In the first inning of the WBC quarterfinal between Team USA and Canada, cameras caught Raleigh appearing to refuse a fist bump from Naylor at the plate. However, Naylor later explained that he had texted Raleigh before the game saying he was going to offer the fist bump, and Raleigh had politely asked him not to. Naylor said the two are very good friends and teammates, and that they were just joking around.

  • The incident occurred during the first inning of the WBC quarterfinal between Team USA and Canada on March 14, 2026.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The catcher for Team USA and the Seattle Mariners.

Josh Naylor

The first baseman for Team Canada and the Seattle Mariners.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We were all just joking. Trying to really make light of the situation. I texted him before that I was going to do it. He said, 'Please don't.'”

— Josh Naylor, Canada national team player (via a translator)

“Me and Cal are really good friends. He's an awesome teammate, honestly, one of my favorite teammates I think I've ever had in my career.”

— Josh Naylor, Canada national team player (via a translator)

What’s next

Raleigh and the United States will face the Dominican Republic in the WBC semifinals on Sunday night.

The takeaway

This incident highlights how viral sports moments can sometimes lack important context, and how close teammates can engage in playful banter that may appear awkward to outside observers. Raleigh and Naylor's friendship off the field provides a reminder not to rush to judgment on these types of situations.