September 28, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners’ designated hitter Carl Rowley (29) waves to the crowd during the 8th inning of a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers held at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Image The 2025 Seattle Mariners have had their best season in the last 25 years and look to be well-positioned to compete again this year. They were able to strengthen their infield by signing Josh Naylor to a nice contract and adding former Cardinal Brendan Donovan.
Vibes was looking pretty good heading into 2026 before the World Baseball Classic began. An awkward altercation broke out between teammates Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena during the group stage match between the United States and Mexico.
Arozarena tried to shake the hand of his teammate and MVP runner-up in Raleigh, but he refused. One of the reasons Raleigh didn’t shake hands was because he was trying to avoid getting pine tar on his hands. I think a fist bump might solve the problem.
Raleigh also spoke with Mariners media, insisting he was just competitive at the moment and that there were no hard feelings between the two. He may feel that way, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Arozarena.
According to Arozarena’s translation of the interview, he seems to be taking the diss a bit personally. You can be as competitive as you want, but Raleigh’s diss had a huge impact on Randy’s timing. The WBC is obviously incredibly important to the players, but at the end of the day, what matters most is the actual MLB team.
I feel like Carl was trying to get his “Kobe Bryant moment” by refusing to shake his hand. The most memorable part of Netflix’s Redeem Team documentary was when the players recalled what Kobe told them before the 2008 gold medal game.
He knew what play Spain would start the game with and was going to beat Pau Gasol on the first play of the game to set the tone.
First, Kobe and Pau touched hands before the gold medal match began. The two also appeared together in the Olympic gold medal match. More importantly, it was Kobe Bryant. Many men try to recreate the “mamba mentality,” and when that happens, it usually results in a creepy, pushy attitude.
I hope Randy is annoyed after the close loss. This is not an issue that will carry over into the regular season.
Either way, it still feels like a lame move by Raleigh.
