Cal Raleigh Snubs Mariners Teammate Arozarena in WBC Clash

The Team USA catcher refused to shake hands with Mexico's Randy Arozarena before their World Baseball Classic matchup.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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In a highly anticipated World Baseball Classic matchup between Seattle Mariners teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena, Raleigh, playing for Team USA, refused to shake Arozarena's hand as the Mexico left fielder came to the plate. The gesture went viral on social media, with some speculating Raleigh did not want any foreign substances on Arozarena's arm to transfer to the Team USA pitcher. Raleigh and the U.S. squad went on to defeat Mexico 5-3, likely securing their spot in the knockout round.

Why it matters

The World Baseball Classic brings teammates from the same MLB club into competition against each other, creating unique dynamics and tensions as players must put national pride ahead of club loyalties. Raleigh's snub of Arozarena highlights the intensity and seriousness with which players approach the international tournament.

The details

In the highly anticipated matchup between the United States and Mexico, Seattle Mariners teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena found themselves on opposing sides. As Arozarena approached the plate, Raleigh, the starting catcher for Team USA, refused to shake his fellow Mariner's hand, a gesture that quickly went viral on social media. Some speculated Raleigh did not want any foreign substances on Arozarena's arm to potentially transfer to the Team USA pitcher, Paul Skenes, during the handshake. Regardless of the reason, Raleigh's actions demonstrated the competitive spirit and lack of fraternization between opponents in the World Baseball Classic, even if they are teammates at the MLB level.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 10, 2026 during the World Baseball Classic matchup between the United States and Mexico.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The starting catcher for Team USA and a member of the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball.

Randy Arozarena

The starting left fielder for Team Mexico and a member of the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball.

Paul Skenes

The pitcher for Team USA who was relieved during the game against Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“Cal Raleigh showed Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena that there is no fraternizing with the opposition in the World Baseball Classic.”

— Jedd Pagaduan, Author (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The United States' victory over Mexico likely secures their spot in the World Baseball Classic knockout round, while Mexico will need to defeat Italy to control their own destiny for advancing.

The takeaway

The World Baseball Classic brings out the intense competitive spirit in players, even if they are teammates at the MLB level. Raleigh's snub of Arozarena demonstrates that national pride and the desire to win for one's country supersedes any club allegiances during this international tournament.