“He can shove it”: Randy Arozarena sounds off on Cal Raleigh after WBC moment
A tense moment between two Seattle Mariners teammates during the World Baseball Classic quickly became one of the tournament’s most talked-about incidents.
During Monday’s game between Team USA and Team Mexico, Randy Arozarena attempted to greet catcher Cal Raleigh with a handshake as he stepped to the plate. But Raleigh declined the gesture, instead offering a quick “good to see you,” leaving Arozarena visibly surprised.
The awkward exchange immediately drew attention from fans watching the game, and things escalated after the final out.
Cal Raleigh declined to shake hands with his Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 10, 2026
(via @EvaLaMorte) pic.twitter.com/MMauZFb46k
Arozarena’s fiery response to Raleigh
Speaking after the game, Arozarena didn’t hide his frustration. In comments delivered in multiple languages, the Mexican star blasted his Mariners teammate for the snub, saying the catcher’s greeting felt insincere.
At one point, Arozarena said the only thing Raleigh “should be thankful for is having such great parents”, adding that he had recently met them at the team hotel and they were “proud to see” him again.
He then dismissed Raleigh’s greeting entirely, saying the “good to see you” comment could be shoved “straight up” where it belonged.
Randy Arozarena went off on his Mariners teammate, Cal Raleigh, for refusing to shake his hand 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 10, 2026
Arozarena also added that "the only thing [Raleigh] should be thankful for is having such great parents," and that they were "proud to see" Arozarena before the game
(via… https://t.co/3SoDPpu5MY pic.twitter.com/nFdX1h5qAW
The blunt comments quickly spread across social media, turning the brief moment at the plate into a viral baseball controversy.
While the tension surprised some fans, moments like this are not unusual in the World Baseball Classic. Players who are teammates in Major League Baseball often face each other while representing different countries, and national pride can take priority.
Raleigh was playing for Team USA, while Arozarena, who was born in Cuba but represents Mexico internationally, suited up for Team Mexico. The United States ultimately won the game 5–3 behind home runs from Aaron Judge and Roman Anthony and a strong pitching performance from Paul Skenes.
Could this drama affect the Mariners?
Will this tension carry over into the MLB season? Both players are key figures for the Mariners. Raleigh has emerged as one of the league’s most productive catchers, even hitting a record 60 home runs in a season for a catcher. Meanwhile Arozarena has been a dynamic outfielder known for power and speed.
Seattle is hoping to build on last year’s deep postseason run and push toward the franchise’s first World Series appearance. With Opening Day approaching, the two teammates will soon return to the same clubhouse, making reconciliation almost inevitable.
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