Randy Arozarena loves to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, but he’s also a member of the Seattle Mariners team that was a game away from making the franchise’s first World Series last season.
In the WBC, he stepped up to the plate to hit with Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh behind him, representing the United States.
Arozarena wanted to share a quick moment with his Mariners teammate before his at-bat, looking backwards and extending his hand for a handshake.
He stood there for a few seconds, awkwardly, as he leaned into his Mariners teammate, wondering why he wouldn’t shake his hand.
Raleigh, in the heat of the moment, didn’t shake Arozarena’s hand and left him bewildered as he took his at-bat.
More news: Tarik Skubal Branded ‘Traitor’ by Furious Fans for Leaving Team USA in WBC
More news: Australian Player Called Out After Viral WBC Handshake Refusal
After the game, Arozarena was asked about the now-viral moment, and didn’t hold back against his Mariners teammate.
Although he spoke warmly about Raleigh’s parents, that’s the only kind thing he’d say about his 60-home run catcher. He badmouthed his MLB catcher, using multiple expletives to make clear he was unhappy with the public denial.
What was supposed to be a friendly moment between two of the best players on one of the best teams in baseball has turned into an all-out feud that could have lasting effects heading into the 2026 campaign.
This isn’t the first viral handshake snub at the WBC, as Robbie Perkins of Australia refused to shake hands with a Czech player during one of the tournament’s first games.
While Perkins caught some heat, he was facing off against a stranger.
In this case, Raleigh disrespected someone whom he will have to see every day for the next seven months.
