Mariners' Cal Raleigh breaks silence on viral WBC Randy Arozarena handshake snub

Raleigh explains his side of the story behind the now-viral handshake controversy with his Mariners teammate.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh found himself at the center of a viral moment during Monday's World Baseball Classic game between Team USA and Team Mexico. When Raleigh's Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena came up to bat, Raleigh declined to shake his hand, sparking speculation about the nature of their relationship. Raleigh has now broken his silence on the incident, stating that there is "no beef" with Arozarena and that he was simply focused on the game and his responsibilities to his team and country.

Why it matters

The handshake snub between Raleigh and Arozarena, two of the Mariners' biggest stars, had the potential to become a distraction for the team as they prepare for the upcoming MLB season. Raleigh's decision to address the issue directly and shut down any rumors about a rift between the two players is important for maintaining team chemistry and avoiding unnecessary drama.

The details

In the viral video, Arozarena can be seen approaching Raleigh, who does not reciprocate the handshake. Raleigh has since explained that he was simply focused on the game and his responsibilities to Team USA, and that there is "no harm or no bad blood" between the two players. Raleigh also reached out to Arozarena and spoke with Mariners manager Dan Wilson about the incident.

  • The handshake snub occurred during Monday night's World Baseball Classic game between Team USA and Team Mexico on March 10, 2026.
  • Raleigh addressed the controversy the following day, March 11, 2026.

The players

Cal Raleigh

A catcher for the Seattle Mariners who is currently representing Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who is currently representing Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“There's no beef with Randy. I love him. He's my brother.”

— Cal Raleigh (Seattle Times)

“I have a responsibility to my teammates and the country to be focused and locked in. And as I said, there's no harm or no bad blood. There's nothing behind it. It doesn't matter who's on the other side.”

— Cal Raleigh (USA Today)

What’s next

The Mariners will continue to monitor the situation and ensure that the handshake controversy does not become a distraction as the team prepares for the upcoming MLB season.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of clear communication and maintaining strong relationships between teammates, even when they are representing different countries in international competition. Raleigh's proactive approach to addressing the issue and shutting down any rumors about a rift with Arozarena is a positive sign for the Mariners as they look to build on their success in the 2026 season.