Mariners’ Randy Arozarena Issues Statement Following WBC Handshake Incident originally appeared on NESN.
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Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena made his return to spring training camp on Saturday and chose a measured response to recent events by issuing a public statement rather than diving into details of an incident during the World Baseball Classic in which Arozarena was ignored when he offered Mariners teammate Cal Raleigh a mid-game handshake.
“We didn’t get the results we wanted with Team Mexico, but I’m glad to be back in camp with my teammates,” Arozarena said, per USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. “The WBC is behind us now, and I don’t want anything to take away from the Mariners. I’m focused on the season and helping this team compete for a World Series.”
Randy Arozarena vented privately to Team Mexico teammates, but declines to publicly address incident he had with catcher Cal Raleigh upon return to Mariners camp and instead issues statement https://t.co/LYRa5nETap
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 14, 2026
As spring training continues to ramp up ahead of the regular season, Arozarena appears intent on maintaining clubhouse harmony and directing his energy toward club duties. His professionalism in addressing the matter quickly without letting it linger could prove valuable for a roster looking to contend in 2026. Teammates and management will likely value the veteran outfielder’s approach.
In 2025, Arozarena delivered an All-Star season for the Seattle Mariners. He appeared in 160 games and batted .238 with 27 home runs and 76 RBIs. His OPS sat at .760 while he scored 95 runs and added 31 stolen bases.
The Cuban-born slugger provided consistent power and speed from the left field spot, helping anchor the lineup alongside Raleigh.
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