Randy Arozarena had some choice words for Seattle Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh after the catcher refused to shake his hand before an at-bat during the World Baseball Classic on Monday night.
Arozarena, representing his native Mexico at the event, extended his hand to Raleigh, the catcher for Team USA, only to get shut down by the 2025 AL MVP runner-up.
The two appeared to exchange words before the outfielder stepped into the box and the at-bat commenced.
The moment went viral, with many questioning what happened between the Mariners teammates, who advanced to the ALCS last season before losing in seven games to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Some fans felt that it was poor sportsmanship on Raleigh’s behalf — especially considering that they are MLB teammates – while others chalked it up to the catcher staying in a competitive mindset during a close game.
What did Arozarena say about Raleigh?
The post-game comments were translated by fans on social media, with Arozarena having some choice words.
“How do you think I should respond to Cal Raleigh? How should I put it to him? I want to say it in four languages,” Arozarena reportedly began.
WARNING: Language
“First in Spanish: The only thing he should be thankful for is having such great parents. He’s very well educated, thank God. I was lucky enough to see them a few days ago at the hotel. They came over to greet me, gave me a big hug, and were genuinely proud to see me again.
“After that, I want to give it to him straight Cuban style: What he has to do is f*** off.
“Mexican style: Go to hell.”
Finally, in his best English, the outfielder further elaborated that he wasn’t too happy with his teammate turning down his friendly gesture.
“That fake ass ‘good to see you’ he hit me with? He can shove it straight up his ass. I’m out,” Arozarena said before walking away.
Raleigh hasn’t commented on the interaction with his Mariners teammate.
The two players both played big roles in Seattle’s stellar 2025 season. Raleigh hit 60 home runs, setting the record for the most by a catcher in a single season, while Arozarena also was named an all-star and hit 27 homers along with 31 stolen bases.
What’s going on at the WBC?
The U.S. team won the game 5-3 to extend its perfect record to 3-0 while Mexico fell to 2-1.
The U.S. wraps up pool play with a matchup with Italy on Tuesday at 9 p.m. in Houston. A win would make it the top seed in Pool B, pitting it against the Pool A runner-up in the quarterfinals.