The Randy Arozarena and Cal Raleigh beef is not a good look for the Mariners as they chase a World Series in 2026, but there's reason to believe that everyone can put the World Baseball Classic incident behind them.
Over the last few days, the Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena World Baseball Classic handshake snub has taken on a life of its own.
Because of Arozarena's postgame comments on Monday night, and because of his unwillingness to talk about it on Wednesday, and because of his social media post on Thursday, the incident has moved from a minor story to a national story, with a hyper-localized impact on the Seattle Mariners clubhouse.
The decision to not shake Arozarena's hand was not a great "look" for Raleigh. The decision to not put it in the past is not a great "look" for Arozarena. Until Arozarena puts it to bed, he'll continue to be asked about it, especially as he returns back to Mariners camp following Mexico's ousting from the tournament.
No matter how you feel about who is right and who is wrong in this instance, this much is certain: It has the potential to impact the M's in their quest to win the World Series. Luckily, I believe the clubhouse can overcome this, and I stated why on the most recent 'Refuse to Lose' podcast.
Seattle Mariners designated hitter Cal Raleigh (29) celebrates with left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) after hitting a two-run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Arozarena scored a run on the hit. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images"I think that this team can end up okay. Like I told you, I believe the clubhouse culture is strong enough to overcome this. But if you are still doubting that, I give you a lot of examples in sports of beefs that have been set aside for the greater good.
Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves last year called out his manager on social media. He is the face of the Braves organization.
How many Team USA and Team Canada hockey players right now are playing together in NHL dressing rooms? Canada and the US went at each other for two weeks in the Olympics, played an epic gold medal final. High stakes, geopolitical tensions, the aftermath of the whole thing, whatever, they played for huge stakes and then they went back to work with each other two days later.
It can be done, and somebody -- Canada and US -- who were rivals for those two weeks, will go on probably to win a title together this year in the NHL.
I'm old enough to remember Rory McIlroy calling out the LIV golfers and then winning a Ryder Cup last year with Jon Rahm, one of those LIV golfers.
I'm old enough to remember Brad Marchand playing forever for the Boston Bruins, being rivals with the Florida Panthers, then getting traded to Florida and winning a title together right after the trade.
It can happen. It does happen."
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