During Team USA's 5-3 victory over Team Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh declined a handshake from teammate Randy Arozarena. Arozarena responded with pointed comments in a post-game interview, though their seriousness remains unclear. Raleigh has since reached out to Arozarena, emphasizing no hard feelings and focus on competition.
The incident occurred on Monday night at Daikin Park in Houston during Pool B play of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. As Randy Arozarena stepped to the plate for Team Mexico, he extended his hand to Seattle Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh, who was catching for Team USA. Raleigh did not reciprocate the gesture, reportedly saying something like "good to see you" before the at-bat began.
After Mexico's 5-3 loss, Arozarena spoke to Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert in Spanish. He praised Raleigh's parents, noting he had met them at the hotel and received a warm greeting. However, Arozarena then used profanity, saying Raleigh should "f--- off" and "go to hell," and that the "good to see you" comment could be shoved "straight up his ass." Video of the interview shows Arozarena with a half-smile, leaving uncertainty about whether his words were serious or sarcastic.
Raleigh addressed the matter Tuesday via FaceTime from Houston, calling it "not a big deal." "I love Randy. I have all the respect for him and Team Mexico," he said. Raleigh explained he reached out personally to Arozarena, apologizing if he felt disrespected, but stressed the competitive nature of the tournament. "I'm here to win the World Baseball Classic for my country," Raleigh added, noting the games carry high emotions as they represent national pride.
Seattle Mariners manager Dan Wilson spoke to the team Tuesday morning in Peoria, Arizona. "These guys are incredible athletes because of their competitiveness," Wilson said. He emphasized the deep bonds in the clubhouse, predicting no lasting issues. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa clarified it was not a team-wide policy against fraternizing, recounting a bench reaction of "Oof. OK." He noted Raleigh had warned Arozarena pregame: "I’m not hugging you. I’m not loving on you. Let’s get after it."
Such moments are not unprecedented in the WBC. In 2023, Dodgers catcher Will Smith similarly declined Arozarena's handshake, which Arozarena brushed off lightly. Last Thursday, Australian catcher Robbie Perkins rejected a Czech batter's hand, stating, "There’s no malice, we’re out there competing."
From a rules perspective, catchers often avoid handshakes to prevent transferring pine tar, which is regulated for pitchers' grips. Raleigh and Arozarena, who combined for 87 home runs and 11.4 WAR last season, helping the Mariners reach Game 7 of the ALCS, are expected to reunite as teammates soon.
