On Monday night, the United States defeated Mexico in pool play at the World Baseball Classic by a final score of 5-3. While it was a fun game between two stacked rosters, there was one moment where the rivalry between the two teams started to show.
The World Baseball Classic often pits Major League Baseball teammates against each other as players represent their respective home countries. While this is often friendly competition, sometimes the competitiveness takes over, as it did on Monday.
Catcher Cal Raleigh and outfielder Randy Arozarena are teammates with the Seattle Mariners, but they were competitors on the field on Monday night as Raleigh played for Team USA while Arozarena represented Mexico.
While Arozarena clearly wanted to keep things friendly between him and his teammate, Raleigh obviously had other plans.
At one point during the game, Arozarena stepped up to the plate for his at-bat. However, before stepping into the batter’s box, he extended his hand toward Raleigh to shake hands with his Mariners teammate. Raleigh, however, did not reciprocate.
Cal Raleigh declines handshake with Seattle teammate, Randy Arozarena #WorldBaseballClassic pic.twitter.com/bBT1JsAuW4
— 🍓 Strawbarry Bonds 11:11 💫 (@EvaLaMorte) March 10, 2026
While Arozarena’s hand was extended, Raleigh refused to shake it. Instead, the two players exchanged words without a handshake, and Arozarena stepped into the box to take his at-bat.
It’s not clear what was said between the two players, but it was pretty clear that Raleigh had no intention of shaking Arozarena’s hand.
Ultimately, Team USA came out on top against Mexico by a final score of 5-3, making it likely that the United States will emerge as the winners of Pool B.
About Dave Kelsey
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