Mariners Teammates Joke About Handshake Snub at World Baseball Classic

Cal Raleigh's refusal to shake hands with teammates at WBC not a sign of clubhouse drama

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:24pm

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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was caught on camera appearing to snub handshakes with teammates Randy Arozarena and Josh Naylor during the World Baseball Classic. However, the incidents were not signs of dysfunction, as Naylor revealed he was just trolling Raleigh, who had told him beforehand that the U.S. team had agreed not to shake hands at the plate. Arozarena's reaction was also reportedly overblown, with Raleigh saying the entire situation was blown out of proportion.

Why it matters

The handshake snubs sparked concerns about potential discord in the Mariners' clubhouse, but the players' own comments indicate this was not the case. It's a relief for Mariners fans that the team's chemistry does not appear to be an issue, even if some of their star players' performances at the WBC have been a concern.

The details

In two separate incidents, Raleigh was seen refusing handshakes or fist bumps with Arozarena and Naylor, his Mariners teammates playing for Mexico and Canada respectively. However, Naylor revealed that Raleigh had told him beforehand that the U.S. team had agreed not to shake hands at the plate. Arozarena's reaction, in which he appeared to go after Raleigh, was also reported to be overblown, with Raleigh saying the entire situation was blown out of proportion.

  • On March 14, 2026, Raleigh was seen refusing a fist bump from Naylor during the U.S. vs. Canada game at the World Baseball Classic.
  • Earlier in the tournament, Raleigh had also snubbed a handshake with Arozarena before an at-bat in the U.S. vs. Mexico game.

The players

Cal Raleigh

The Seattle Mariners catcher who was caught on camera refusing handshakes with his teammates at the World Baseball Classic.

Randy Arozarena

The Seattle Mariners outfielder who plays for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic and was involved in one of the handshake snubs with Raleigh.

Josh Naylor

The Seattle Mariners first baseman who plays for Canada in the World Baseball Classic and was involved in the other handshake snub with Raleigh.

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What they’re saying

“Cal said 'please don't'”

— Josh Naylor (Jomboy Media)

“Raleigh told Arozarena (and Naylor) that the United States contingent had a philosophy as a team to not shake hands.”

— Ryan Divish, Seattle Times reporter (Seattle Times)

The takeaway

The handshake snubs between Mariners teammates at the World Baseball Classic were not signs of clubhouse drama, but rather lighthearted trolling and an agreed-upon team policy. While the Mariners' performance at the WBC has been a concern, this incident shows the team's chemistry remains strong.