Mariners' Randy Arozarena apologizes for World Baseball Classic Cal Raleigh remarks

Teammates have cleared the air ahead of the Mariners' 2026 season opener.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:42am

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena issued a public apology to teammate Cal Raleigh, putting an end to any lingering tension from a viral moment during the World Baseball Classic. Arozarena and Raleigh have since talked it out, with both players emphasizing their strong brotherhood and shared focus on helping the Mariners win the World Series.

Why it matters

The brief tension between Arozarena and Raleigh had the potential to become a distraction for the Mariners as they prepare for the upcoming season. However, the players' quick resolution of the issue and reaffirmation of their team chemistry is a positive sign for the Mariners' chances of success in 2026.

The details

The situation stemmed from a moment during pool play in the World Baseball Classic when Arozarena extended his hand to Raleigh at the plate, only for Raleigh to decline, following Team USA's pregame approach. What might have been a minor interaction escalated after the game, when Arozarena made emotional comments that quickly went viral. Since returning to camp, both players have made it clear there is no bad blood, and their on-field interaction during a recent spring training game reinforced that message.

  • The World Baseball Classic incident occurred in March 2026.
  • Arozarena issued his public apology on March 22, 2026, just days before the Mariners' 2026 season opener.

The players

Randy Arozarena

A Seattle Mariners outfielder who apologized for his remarks about teammate Cal Raleigh following a viral moment during the World Baseball Classic.

Cal Raleigh

A Seattle Mariners catcher who was the subject of Arozarena's remarks following the World Baseball Classic incident, but has since reconciled with his teammate.

Dan Wilson

The Seattle Mariners manager, who emphasized the strength of the team's clubhouse and the players' love for each other.

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What they’re saying

“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don't want it to be a distraction. Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He's family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”

— Randy Arozarena

“We talked it out and everything went great. Randy knows that I love him and he's a brother. It's in the past and none of us are carrying this forward.”

— Cal Raleigh

“It's a special group. They love each other.”

— Dan Wilson, Mariners Manager

What’s next

The Mariners are fully focused on the upcoming 2026 season and their quest to win the World Series, with the brief tension between Arozarena and Raleigh now resolved.

The takeaway

The quick resolution of the issue between Arozarena and Raleigh, and the players' reaffirmation of their strong team chemistry, is a positive sign for the Mariners as they look to build on their success and make a deep playoff run in 2026.