Peoria, Arizona. A few days before the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season, Randy Arozarena has made it clear that the incident with Cal Raleigh during the World Baseball Classic is a thing of the past. The Cuban-Mexican gardener issued a second statement, reaffirming his intention to close the matter and focus on the team’s objectives.
This new stance broadens his initial reaction after returning from the tournament, when he avoided delving into the subject.I understand that, with Inauguration Day just a few days away, I don’t want this to be a distraction. Cal and I have spoken and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing that happened changes the fact that we are brothers and teammates. It’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.
Arozarena via the Mariners
A gesture that confirms the closure
On the field, actions back up the message. Arozarena and Raleigh recently coincided in the lineup during Cactus League games and were seen participating normally in the traditional celebration line after a Seattle victory. This gesture, which included direct interaction between the two, was interpreted as a clear sign that the situation has been overcome within the clubhouse.The Origin of the Controversy
The incident occurred during a confrontation at the World Baseball Classic in Houston, when Arozarena interpreted Raleigh’s failure to shake his hand in the batter’s box as a sign of disrespect. After the game, the outfielder expressed his annoyance in an interview, which generated great repercussions, fueling speculation about possible tension between two important pieces of the Mariners. Days later, Raleigh addressed the issue publicly, assuring that he had already contacted his colleague to clarify the situation.I contacted Randy and apologized if he felt disrespected. We’re just playing with intensity.
Raleigh
