United States catcher Cal Raleigh downplayed his refusal to shake hands with Mexican outfielder and Seattle Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena during Monday's game, saying it wasn't a big deal.
The exchange occurred in Team USA's 5-3 win, marking the first time America beat Mexico in the World Baseball Classic since 2006.
Cal Raleigh refuses to shake hands with his Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena pic.twitter.com/YpTxhHmH9P
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) March 10, 2026
"There's no beef," Raleigh said Tuesday, adding that he reached out to Arozarena and Mariners manager Dan Wilson after the incident, according to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com. "I love Randy. Like I said, when we're back in Seattle, he's my brother. He's family."
Raleigh acknowledged that "emotions are running high" during WBC games.
"I hate that this is a thing," the 2025 AL MVP runner-up said. "I really don't think this is a big deal, a big story. It shouldn't be a thing. I love Randy. I have all the respect for him and Team Mexico."
However, Arozarena didn't take Raleigh's slight well, suggesting in Spanish following the game that Raleigh should "f--k off" and "go to hell," according to a translation by Sam Blum of The Athletic.
"That 'good to see you' that he said to me. He can shove it straight up his ass. I'm out," Arozarena added.
The U.S. and Mexico can meet again in the WBC final.
