Team Mexico Manager Responds to Arozarena-Raleigh Incident

Manager Benji Gil says the Mariners teammates will 'figure it out' when they return to spring training

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The perceived rift between Seattle Mariners teammates Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh at the 2026 World Baseball Classic has garnered much attention. Team Mexico manager Benji Gil, whose team faced off against the United States, shared his take on the matter, saying the players will 'figure it out when they get back to (Mariners) camp' since 'they're big boys'.

Why it matters

The incident between Arozarena and Raleigh, who are teammates on the Mariners, has become a storyline at the World Baseball Classic. As the tournament continues, there is interest in how the players will handle the situation when they return to spring training together.

The details

The issue started when Arozarena and Raleigh wouldn't shake hands during the matchup between the United States and Mexico, which the U.S. won 5-3. The two players have been teammates since 2024 when Arozarena arrived in Seattle from the Tampa Bay Rays, while Raleigh has been with the Mariners organization since he was drafted in 2018.

  • The 2026 World Baseball Classic is currently underway.
  • The incident between Arozarena and Raleigh occurred during the matchup between the United States and Mexico on March 12, 2026.
  • The Mariners will return to spring training after the World Baseball Classic concludes on March 17, 2026.

The players

Randy Arozarena

An outfielder for the Seattle Mariners who joined the team in 2024 after playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.

Cal Raleigh

A catcher for the Seattle Mariners who has been with the organization since he was drafted in 2018.

Benji Gil

The manager of the Mexican national baseball team competing in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

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What they’re saying

“They'll figure it out when they get back to (Mariners) camp. They're big boys.”

— Benji Gil, Team Mexico Manager (USA Today)

What’s next

After the World Baseball Classic concludes on March 17, 2026, Arozarena and Raleigh will return to spring training with the Seattle Mariners, where they will have the opportunity to address the perceived rift between them.

The takeaway

The incident between Mariners teammates Arozarena and Raleigh at the World Baseball Classic has become a talking point, but their manager Benji Gil believes the 'big boys' will be able to work it out when they return to spring training together.