Mariners Teammates Raleigh and Arozarena Avoid Handshake at World Baseball Classic

USA manager Mark DeRosa comments on the perceived rift between the two players during the USA-Mexico game

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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During the World Baseball Classic matchup between the USA and Mexico, Seattle Mariners teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena were seen avoiding a handshake, sparking rumors of a feud between the two players. However, Mariners manager Dan Wilson refuted any notion of an ongoing issue, and USA manager Mark DeRosa spoke about the incident, saying Raleigh had asked him not to put him in that position.

Why it matters

The perceived rift between Raleigh and Arozarena, who are key players for the Mariners, could have implications for the team's chemistry and performance if the tension carries over into the MLB season. The World Baseball Classic is meant to showcase the best international talent, so any off-field drama between players detracts from the spirit of the tournament.

The details

In the USA's 5-3 win over Mexico, Arozarena was seen refusing to shake Raleigh's hand after the game, leading to speculation of a feud between the two Mariners players. However, Mariners manager Dan Wilson dismissed the idea of an ongoing issue between the teammates. USA manager Mark DeRosa said Raleigh had asked him not to put him in that position, referencing a previous incident where Dodgers catcher Will Smith refused to shake hands with Arozarena during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

  • The incident occurred during the USA-Mexico game at the 2026 World Baseball Classic on March 10, 2026.
  • Raleigh and Arozarena have been teammates on the Seattle Mariners since 2024, after Arozarena was traded from the Tampa Bay Rays.

The players

Cal Raleigh

A catcher for the Seattle Mariners who was drafted by the organization in 2018.

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who was traded to the team from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024.

Mark DeRosa

The manager of the United States national baseball team at the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Dan Wilson

The manager of the Seattle Mariners.

Will Smith

A catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who refused to shake hands with Arozarena during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“He had mentioned they had spoken about that, and he said, ' Hey, kind of don't put me in that position,'”

— Mark DeRosa, USA Manager (FOX Sports: MLB)

What’s next

The United States will play Italy on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 in their next World Baseball Classic matchup.

The takeaway

The incident between Raleigh and Arozarena highlights the potential for off-field drama to overshadow the on-field competition at the World Baseball Classic. While the Mariners have dismissed any ongoing feud, the avoidance of a handshake raises questions about the players' relationship and the potential impact it could have on the team's chemistry and performance in the upcoming MLB season.