MLB roundup: Randy Arozarena apologizes to Cal Raleigh for WBC spat

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Mar 22, 2026 - 22:00
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MLB roundup: Randy Arozarena apologizes to Cal Raleigh for WBC spat

Randy Arozarena of the Mexico in action during the 2026 World Baseball Classic game between Mexico and the United States at Daikin Park on March 9, 2026 in Houston, Texas.

Randy Arozarena said he apologized to Cal Raleigh following his comments toward his Seattle Mariners teammate earlier this month at the World Baseball Classic.

"I understand that with Opening Day a few days away, I don't want it to be a distraction," Arozarena said in a statement released by the Mariners. "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."

Playing for Mexico, Arozarena offered to shake the hand of Raleigh before a first-inning at-bat during the United States' 5-3 victory over Mexico in a Pool B game in Houston on March 9. Raleigh refused, with the Americans reportedly having a philosophy against such things during games.

Arozarena then lashed out in a profanity-laced rant to a Mexican journalist after the game.

"We talked it out, and everything went great," Raleigh said. "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.

"It was really good walking in the door and seeing everybody. As fun as (the WBC) was, it was nice to feel back here. It feels like the family's all back together in a way."

Phillies, Sanchez agree to deal

Left-hander Cristopher Sanchez agreed to terms on a six-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, the team announced Sunday.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the Phillies, who announced the deal begins in 2027 and will run through 2032 with a club option for 2033. The Athletic, however, reported the deal guarantees Sanchez $107 million through 2032 – including $3.5 million in 2026.

Sanchez, 29, is slated to be the team's Opening Day starter when the Phillies open the season on March 26 against the visiting Texas Rangers.

He is coming off the best season of his career, posting a 13-5 record with a 2.50 ERA in 32 games (all starts) in 2025. He finished second in last season's National League Cy Young Award voting to Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes.

An All-Star in 2024, Sanchez is 30-21 with a 3.24 ERA in 104 career appearances (85 starts) with the Phillies. He has three complete games and one shutout.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: MLB roundup: Randy Arozarena apologizes to Cal Raleigh for WBC spat

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