Mariners' Arozarena returns, declines to discuss WBC exchange with Raleigh

Outfielder says he's focused on the regular season after Mexico's World Baseball Classic exit

Mar. 14, 2026 at 8:19pm

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Randy Arozarena returned to Mariners spring training on Saturday, but declined to discuss his exchange with teammate Cal Raleigh during the World Baseball Classic. Arozarena issued a statement saying he's glad to be back with his teammates and is focused on the upcoming season, not the WBC.

Why it matters

The exchange between Arozarena and Raleigh during the WBC was a major storyline this week, with video of their interaction going viral on social media. The Mariners will need Arozarena and Raleigh to be on the same page as they look to compete for a World Series title this season.

The details

Arozarena met with manager Dan Wilson on Saturday and said he doesn't want anything to take away from the Mariners' focus on the regular season. Raleigh had previously reached out to Arozarena to apologize for any perceived disrespect during their on-field exchange. Arozarena also posted images on social media highlighting camaraderie between other national teams at the WBC.

  • Arozarena returned to Mariners camp on Saturday morning.

The players

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who recently returned from playing for Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

Cal Raleigh

The Mariners' starting catcher who was involved in an exchange with Arozarena during the WBC.

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Josh Naylor

An infielder for the Mariners who was also involved in a light-hearted exchange with Raleigh during the WBC.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't get the results we wanted with Team Mexico, but I'm glad to be back in camp with my teammates. The WBC is behind us now, and I don't want anything to take away from the Mariners. I'm focused on the season and helping this team compete for a World Series.”

— Randy Arozarena (Mariners)

“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, Mariners Catcher (Mariners)

“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.' But me and Cal are really good friends. He's an awesome teammate and honestly one of my favorite teammates I think I've ever had in my career. He's such a leader, too. I was really, really happy to get traded to the Mariners last year and kind of experience being in the locker room with him.”

— Josh Naylor, Mariners Infielder (Mariners)

What’s next

The Mariners will look to move past the exchange between Arozarena and Raleigh as they prepare for the start of the regular season on March 26.

The takeaway

While the viral exchange between Arozarena and Raleigh during the WBC was a distraction, the Mariners appear ready to put it behind them and focus on their quest for a World Series championship this season. The team's leadership, including manager Dan Wilson, is emphasizing unity and moving forward as they get set for opening day.