Mexico's Alek Thomas Posts Raleigh-Arozarena WBC Handshake Snub Photo as Motivation After USA-Italy

The United States' fate in the 2026 World Baseball Classic is partially in Mexico's hands, and one of their players had a head-turning post on social media going into Wednesday's game against Italy.

Mexico and Diamondbacks center fielder Alek Thomas posted a picture of United States catcher Cal Raleigh refusing to shake hands with Randy Arozarena of Team Mexico with the caption "take things personally."

The interaction was notable for a number of reasons, including the fact that Raleigh and Arozarena are teammates on the Seattle Mariners.

ESPN's Jeff Passan noted Arozarena spoke to Mexican journalist Luis Gilbert in Spanish and said Raleigh could "f--k off" and "go to hell."

Yet the catcher said he spoke with his Mariners teammate in the aftermath, adding "this isn't a big deal at all. So we're good friends and we'll continue to be good friends and I think we're just enjoying competing against each other right now."

Raleigh and his American teammates will surely be watching Mexico's game against Italy on Wednesday, as it will decide which teams advance to the quarterfinals:

Things might get even more personal if Mexico eliminates the United States with its efforts against Italy.