Mariners' Randy Arozarena Says He Apologized to Cal Raleigh After WBC Incident, 'He's Family'

Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena revealed that he apologized to teammate Cal Raleigh following their handshake interaction while playing for opposing squads in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.

"I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don't want it to be a distraction," Arozarena said, per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. "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."

Raleigh suited up for Team USA in the WBC, while Arozarena played for Mexico.

During a matchup between the two teams on March 9, Arozarena offered to shake Raleigh's hand prior to his first at-bat of the game before the catcher refused.

Arozarena didn't seem to appreciate the gesture.

"That 'good to see you' that he said to me," Arozarena said after the game, via Sam Blum of The Athletic. "He can shove it straight up his ass. I'm out."

Raleigh said that he spoke with Arozarena the following day and it wasn't "a big deal at all," according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

"I love Randy. I do," Raleigh said, per Passan. "I hate that this is a thing. There's no beef. When we get back to Seattle, he's my brother. We're family. I already reached out to him, so it's just a competitive environment and I know he would want the same for me when we're on the team and playoff baseball. I just have a responsibility for my teammates here right now and my country, and emotions are running high."

The two players have been teammates since Seattle acquired Arozarena at the 2024 trade deadline. They both earned All-Star nods in 2025, helping the Mariners advance to the American League Championship Series for the first time since 2001.

With the start of the 2026 season rapidly approaching, there doesn't appear to be any lingering animosity between Arozarena and Raleigh.