Cal Raleigh again declines handshake, this time from a Mariners teammate

Houston. American catcher Cal Raleigh once again generated comments at the 2026 World Baseball Classic by once again rejecting a greeting on the field, this time from a teammate in the Major Leagues.

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The episode occurred during the first inning of the quarter-final match between the United States (baseball team) and Canada (baseball team), played at Daikin Park in Houston. At that moment, Raleigh avoided the fist bump offered by Canadian first baseman Josh Naylor, who is also his teammate during the MLB season with the Seattle Mariners. The situation recalled what happened days earlier when Raleigh also refused to shake the hand of Mexican outfielder Randy Arozarena, which led to some words between the two after the game. The receiver has explained that his position is due to the competitive intensity of the tournament, noting that he prefers to maintain total concentration while representing his country. “They are not just exhibition games. They are extremely important. I have a responsibility to my teammates and my country to be focused on every game and do everything possible to win,” Raleigh expressed after the previous incident with Arozarena. Meanwhile, the United States managed to advance to the semifinals after defeating Canada 5-3 and is now preparing to face the Dominican Republic (baseball team), which arrives undefeated with a 5-0 record in the tournament. The expected duel will be played at loanDepot Park in Miami and will pit two teams loaded with Major League stars. The Dominican offense has been the most dominant of the tournament, with 51 runs scored and 14 home runs in five games. For its part, the American squad relies on its talent to compete against the powerful Dominican team, in what promises to be one of the most attractive matchups of the championship.