Randy Arozarena issued a new statement on March 22 regarding his exchange with Cal Raleigh during the World Baseball Classic, as both players and Seattle Mariners management said they are ready to move forward from the incident.
The situation attracted attention after an on-field interaction between Arozarena and Raleigh led to speculation about a possible rift. With Opening Day approaching, both athletes emphasized their focus on teamwork and the upcoming season.
“I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don’t want it to be a distraction,” Arozarena said through the team. “Cal and I have talked and I apologized for what I said after the game. Nothing in the WBC takes away from the fact that we are brothers and teammates. He’s family, and we are both focused on helping the Mariners win the World Series.”
Raleigh also addressed reporters after playing eight innings in a Cactus League game against the Cubs, saying: “We talked it out, and everything went great. Randy knows that I love him, and he’s a brother, and it’s in the past and none of us are carrying this forward. We’re in a good spot. We talked it out. We were both sorry, and we both got in a good place and we’re both happy to be here, too.”
Mariners manager Dan Wilson responded positively to Arozarena’s remarks: “It doesn’t surprise me,” Wilson said. “That’s what we’ve talked about in that clubhouse. It’s just a special group. They love each other, and yeah, it’s time. I think we’re all ready to get back to Seattle and get this thing started.”
Earlier statements from Arozarena did not mention Raleigh by name or take questions from media members upon his return from international play; however, recent interactions suggest reconciliation between teammates as they prepare for Major League Baseball’s regular season.
Both players indicated their intent is now solely on supporting each other as part of their shared goal for success with Seattle.
