Is Raiko Arozarena related to Rays' Randy Arozarena? Cuba goalkeeper wraps Gold Cup run

Kevin Skiver

Is Raiko Arozarena related to Rays' Randy Arozarena? Cuba goalkeeper wraps Gold Cup run image

Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena made serious waves for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic earlier in 2023. Raiko Arozarena turned in a stellar performance of his own in the 2023 Gold Cup.

As the goalkeeper for the Cuba national team, Raiko faced 17 shots — seven on target — and allowed just one goal in Cuba's group stage opener against Guatemala on June 27. His saves included a stop of a penalty kick and an outstretched save on a header.

In spite of the 1-0 loss, Arozarena drew attention for his gutty performance, making him the latest with his surname to impress on the international stage.

Unfortunately for him and the squad, the Cubans were blasted 4-1 by Guadaloupe on July 1. Arozarena again faced 17 shots — this time with eight on target.

The loss ended Cuba's hopes of reaching the knockout stage. They were reduced to playing spoiler in their group stage finale July 4 against Canada. 

Here's what to know about the Cuba keeper:

Is Raiko Arozarena related to Randy Arozarena?

The Cuban keeper is, in fact, related to Rays outfielder and MLB All-Star Randy Arozarena.

Raiko is Randy's younger brother. Randy was born Feb. 28, 1995; Raiko was born March 27, 1997.

MORE: Canada stunned late, held to draw by Guadeloupe in Gold Cup opener

One of the big differences between the two is their citizenship. Both athletes were born in Cuba, but Randy became a Mexican citizen in 2022, thus qualifying him to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Raiko debuted for Cuba's national team in 2022 in a pair of friendlies against the Dominican Republic.

What team does Raiko Arozarena play for?

Arozarena plays for the USL Championship's Tampa Bay Rowdies in the same city his brother plays for the Rays.

He joined the Rowdies in April 2021 and has played for them under contract ever since. His debut came Oct. 20, 2021.

Arozarena has also spent time with Forward Madison FC in Madison, Wis., having been sent out on loan in the 2022 season. He played 16 games for Madison that year before returning to Tampa Bay at the end of the season.

Cuba Gold Cup schedule

Cuba has one match remaining in the group stage of the Gold Cup, against Canada on Tuesday, July 4. The match is on FS1.

Date Time (ET) Matchup Channel/Stream
Tuesday, July 4 6:30 p.m. Cuba vs. Canada FS1/Fubo

Randy Arozarena World Baseball Classic stats

To get an idea of what Raiko is trying to live up to, Randy Arozarena was a sensation for Mexico during its run to the semifinals of the World Baseball Classic.

While Mexico ultimately came up short against Japan, the performance only increased Arozarena's popularity.

AVG SLG OBP HR RBI BB SO
.450 .607 .900 1 9 6 5

Much like his brother, Randy put on a defensive masterclass with making some outstanding catches.

Maybe unbelievable defense on the international stage is genetic. These brothers support the theory.

Kevin Skiver

Kevin Skiver Photo

Kevin Skiver has been a content producer at Sporting News since 2021. He previously worked at CBS Sports as a trending topics writer, and now writes various pieces on MLB, the NFL, the NBA, and college sports. He enjoys hiking and eating, not necessarily in that order.