Mariners' Dan Wilson Announces Randy Arozarena News Amid World Baseball Classic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 5:49 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners have one of the most talented rosters in MLB and are well‑equipped to win a second straight American League West title this year. However, as the season approaches, two of the team’s most important players have been involved in an unexpected situation, outfielder Randy Arozarena and catcher Cal Raleigh.

At the World Baseball Classic, the two were not teammates but opponents, with Raleigh representing Team USA and Arozarena suiting up for Team Mexico. During their pool‑play matchup, Raleigh refused to shake Arozarena’s hand, a moment Arozarena did not take lightly and one that clearly has not been fully resolved.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena (56)© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Regardless, Arozarena and Mexico were eliminated after dropping their final two pool‑play games, ending his hopes of helping his country contend for gold. Arozarena went 2‑for‑13 across four games, a disappointing showing by his standards.

Now his focus shifts back to the Mariners, and with Opening Day just weeks away, he has a short window to regain momentum.

On Friday, Mariners manager Dan Wilson provided an update on Arozarena’s status, announcing that he would return to the team within the next few days, along with closer Andres Munoz, who also played for Mexico (h/t Shannon Drayer of Seattle Sports).

Getting both players back quickly matters because Seattle wants its full roster together as soon as possible to reestablish chemistry and timing before the season begins.

Randy Arozarena and Andres Munoz should be back in camp in the next couple of days according to Dan Wilson.
— Shannon Drayer (@shannondrayer) March 13, 2026

This is one of the most important seasons of Arozarena’s career, as he is set to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season and wants to ensure he enters the market coming off another strong year.

Last season, the 31‑year‑old left fielder posted a .238 batting average, .334 on‑base percentage, .760 OPS, 27 home runs, 76 RBIs and 31 stolen bases across 160 games. He added a second All‑Star selection to a resume that already includes an AL Rookie of the Year award.

Arozarena will now look to put the WBC behind him, settle back into camp and position himself, and the Mariners, for another deep postseason run in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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