This WBC has been more about handshakes than the games that are being played. First, it was the Australian catcher who refused. That act was then followed by Team USA catcher Cal Raleigh against Mexico, but it doesn’t look like he is letting go of that attitude any time soon.

Because in the game against Canada, Raleigh has done it again. Cal Raleigh refused a greeting from Josh Naylor in the WBC quarterfinal between Team USA and Team Canada. This incident was not an isolated case because four days earlier, Raleigh also ignored a handshake from Mariners teammate Randy Arozarena.

The internet widely reported and shared both instances as viral moments, making Raleigh’s behavior one of the most talked-about aspects of this year’s tournament. The consistent refusal has drawn attention because Naylor and Arozarena are club teammates with Raleigh on the Seattle Mariners.

Raleigh has explained his choices with a clear and consistent stance that he will not engage in usual pre‑at‑bat greetings during WBC play, even with familiar faces. Team USA manager Mark DeRosa confirmed that there were no official team rules forcing Raleigh to refuse handshakes. This clarification shows that it was Raleigh’s personal approach and not a WBC policy.

Cal Raleigh himself said he has a responsibility to stay locked in and focused on winning for his country. This shows why he maintained this attitude in multiple games. His words and the manager’s comments were reported and shared to clarify that Raleigh’s behavior was intentional.

This moment highlights how seriously Raleigh is taking international competition. In both snubs, he chose competitive focus over what fans expect as friendly etiquette.

The reactions have been strong and emotional because fans see international play as a place where respect matters, and Raleigh’s actions challenged that idea in real time. By refusing greetings against both Mexico and Canada, Raleigh’s pattern shows a mindset focused on national duty and competitive intensity rather than social norms.

Team USA will face the Dominican Republic in the semis

All the controversies aside, Team USA will now be focusing on the Dominican Republic. The Dominicans entered the final eight undefeated and crushed South Korea 10‑0 with a walk‑off three‑run homer that triggered the mercy rule. That tied the WBC record with 14 homers scored so far.

Meanwhile, Team USA secured its victory by defeating Canada 5-3, thanks to Logan Webb’s five strikeouts in 4.2 innings. And hitters like Pete Crow‑Armstrong and Brice Turang are adding timely offense.

These two teams will also test managerial choices and execution under pressure. With starting pitchers fully free of earlier pitch limits, Team USA could lean on Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young winner. Skenes dominated the 2025 season with a 1.96 ERA and 386 strikeouts through 55 starts.

Offensively, the D.R. has brought big plays from stars like Juan Soto and Austin Wells. The USA’s lineup balance has sparked debate among fans regarding the placement of veterans versus hot hitters. With so much at stake and both rosters stacked with impact players, the semifinal feels electric, as every pitch and decision could tilt this classic clash in a heartbeat