Mariners Stars Raleigh and Arozarena Clash Over WBC Handshake Snub

Tensions flare between Seattle teammates during USA vs. Mexico matchup at World Baseball Classic

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Seattle Mariners stars Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena got into a heated exchange during the World Baseball Classic after Raleigh appeared to snub Arozarena's pregame handshake attempt. Arozarena later called out Raleigh in a postgame interview, telling him to "go to hell" and telling him to "go f*** himself." The two players could face off again later in the tournament, raising questions about potential lingering tensions in the Mariners' clubhouse.

Why it matters

Conflicts between star players on the same MLB team can create distractions and disrupt team chemistry, which could impact the Mariners' performance both in the WBC and the upcoming MLB season. The incident also highlights the intense rivalries and emotions that can arise during international baseball competitions.

The details

As Arozarena approached the batter's box for his first plate appearance, he leaned over to show some sportsmanship to Raleigh, the Mariners' catcher. However, Raleigh appeared to snub Arozarena's handshake attempt, leading to a heated exchange between the two players. In a postgame interview, Arozarena expressed his frustration, using profanity and telling Raleigh to "go to hell" and "go f*** himself."

  • The incident occurred during the USA vs. Mexico matchup at the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 10, 2026.

The players

Cal Raleigh

A catcher for the Seattle Mariners who appeared to snub a pregame handshake attempt from his teammate, Randy Arozarena.

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who was upset by Raleigh's apparent handshake snub and called him out in a postgame interview.

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What they’re saying

“Honestly, he can go to hell.”

— Randy Arozarena (TMZ)

“That 'Good to see you' he said to me ... he can shove it up his ass.”

— Randy Arozarena (TMZ)

“In Cuban, Arozarena also told him to "go f*** himself" for good measure.”

— Randy Arozarena (TMZ)

What’s next

The two teams could face off again later in the World Baseball Classic tournament, which could lead to further confrontations between Raleigh and Arozarena.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the intense rivalries and emotions that can arise during international baseball competitions, even between teammates. It also raises questions about the potential impact on team chemistry and performance if the two players are unable to resolve their differences.