Mariners' Randy Arozarena Issues Statement Following WBC Handshake Incident

Arozarena made his return to spring training camp on Saturday.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:48pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena issued a public statement addressing an incident during the World Baseball Classic in which he was ignored when he offered Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh a mid-game handshake. Arozarena said he is focused on the upcoming season and helping the team compete for a World Series.

Why it matters

The incident during the WBC raised questions about potential clubhouse tensions, but Arozarena's measured response and focus on the upcoming season suggest he is intent on maintaining harmony within the Mariners' roster as they look to contend in 2026.

The details

Arozarena returned to Mariners' spring training camp on Saturday and released a statement saying, "We didn't get the results we wanted with Team Mexico, but I'm glad to be back in camp with my teammates. The WBC is behind us now, and I don't want anything to take away from the Mariners. I'm focused on the season and helping this team compete for a World Series." In 2025, Arozarena had an All-Star season for the Mariners, batting .238 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs.

  • Arozarena made his return to spring training camp on Saturday (March 14, 2026).

The players

Randy Arozarena

A Seattle Mariners outfielder who had an All-Star season in 2025, batting .238 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs.

Cal Raleigh

A Seattle Mariners teammate of Arozarena.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We didn't get the results we wanted with Team Mexico, but I'm glad to be back in camp with my teammates. The WBC is behind us now, and I don't want anything to take away from the Mariners. I'm focused on the season and helping this team compete for a World Series.”

— Randy Arozarena (USA Today)

The takeaway

Arozarena's measured response and focus on the upcoming season suggest he is intent on maintaining harmony within the Mariners' roster as they look to contend in 2026, which could prove valuable for a team with high expectations.