NEW YORK, NY — Major League Baseball has unveiled a groundbreaking new program, the 'Friendship Games,' designed to preemptively mend potential rifts between teammates forced to represent rival nations in international competitions. The initiative follows what sources describe as a 'near-catastrophic' incident involving Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and outfielder Randy Arozarena during the recent World Baseball Classic.

"We realized that asking professional athletes to put aside their club loyalties and then immediately become sworn enemies for their respective homelands was, frankly, a recipe for disaster," stated MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, adjusting his tie. "The sight of Raleigh and Arozarena, who share a locker room for 162 games, daring to compete against each other for national pride, sent shivers down our collective spine. What if they'd actually *disliked* each other for a whole inning? The implications for team chemistry were unthinkable."

The Friendship Games will reportedly involve mandatory, low-stakes exhibition matches where players from opposing WBC teams are forced to hug, exchange friendship bracelets, and share a single, oversized batting helmet. "We're exploring trust falls and team-building exercises as well," added Dr. Evelyn Thorne, a newly appointed MLB 'Harmony Consultant.' "The goal is to ensure that no player ever again experiences the psychological trauma of having to briefly prioritize their country over their workplace friendships."

Critics argue the program is an overreaction to a non-existent problem, but MLB remains steadfast. "We simply cannot risk a future where a second baseman gives a first baseman a slightly too-hard tag because they played for different countries a month ago," Manfred concluded. "The integrity of the high-five is at stake."

Sources close to the Mariners report Raleigh and Arozarena have already been scheduled for a mandatory 'buddy-cop' movie marathon.