The Chicago White Sox are teetering on the edge of a dubious milestone that no team aims for: they stand on the brink of setting a record for losses in a single season. Currently, the White Sox have matched the infamous 120-loss record set by the 1962 New York Mets. Unlike the Mets, who were just getting their start as an expansion team, the White Sox have no such excuse to justify their lackluster performance.
Last year's shift in the MLB schedule format aimed to bring more excitement by reducing the number of division games and ensuring every team plays against every other team in the opposite league each year. While the intent was to foster a more diverse and competitive league environment, the White Sox have faced severe struggles this season, most notably against intra-division teams.
Intra-Division Dominance
The Cleveland Guardians managed to hold their own initially but eventually achieved a 5-5 split before sweeping the White Sox in their most recent meeting. Ultimately, the Guardians finished with an 8-5 record against Chicago, clinching the AL Central title in the process. It isn't just the Guardians who have found success at Chicago's expense. The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals have posted commanding 12-1 records against the White Sox, contributing significantly to their own playoff pursuits.
The Royals and Twins, both well-positioned in the wild-card race with the No. 5 and 7 seeds, respectively, have capitalized on these matchups. Specifically, the Tigers' dominance against Chicago, with a 9-1 record, has proven crucial. Detroit's head-to-head victories against the Mariners and Red Sox have pushed them ahead in the wild-card race. Critical performances by Kansas City and Minnesota against Chicago have bolstered their wild-card ambitions even further.
Cross-League Showdowns
The revamped schedule meant that every National League team, except the Chicago Cubs, faced the White Sox in a three-game series this season. The Cubs and White Sox competed in a four-game series, which the Cubs swept handily. Despite this, the White Sox managed to pull off victories in series against the Atlanta Braves, Colorado Rockies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Washington Nationals. Interestingly, the Braves went 1-2 against Chicago in a rain-impacted season series.
Remaining Matches
As the season nears its conclusion, the White Sox will play a three-game series at Comerica Park against the Tigers this weekend. Given Detroit's dominance with a 9-1 record over Chicago this season, there is little optimism for a miraculous turnaround. Simultaneously, the Minnesota Twins will wrap up their regular-season against the Baltimore Orioles, while the Royals face the Braves.
It's often said that numbers don't lie. Looking at the White Sox's dismal record, one can't help but agree. The season has been a disappointment with no substantial justification for their poor performance. As the team contemplates its future, a complete rebuild and reimagining of strategy seem inevitable.