The Chicago White Sox are teetering on the edge of a new franchise record for losses as turmoil continues to plague the team. Friday’s game against the New York Mets added another chapter to this challenging season.
White Sox starting pitcher Jonathan Cannon found himself in a tough spot during the second inning, facing loaded bases with no outs. After striking out Francisco Alvarez, Cannon seemed to have escaped unscathed by inducing a 5-4-3 double play. However, the Mets challenged the call, and the out at first base was overturned, resulting in a run for the Mets.
Interim manager Grady Sizemore reflected on the play, saying, “We got the ground ball, just a step away from getting out of that inning without a run. It’s kind of been a theme for us—a hair short, a step late, or just a ball that doesn’t go our way.”
Cannon limited the damage in that inning to just one run, but the Mets added three more in the following inning, ultimately defeating the White Sox 5-1. This marked the team’s 105th loss of the season, just one short of tying the franchise record set by the 1970 squad.
Despite the mounting losses, Cannon remained optimistic, stating, “It’s tough, it is. But we show up every day expecting to win. I think we have a really good clubhouse before the game. We all think we’re going to win going in. Just look to continue that mindset for the rest of the year. We believe in each other, which I think is big and will pay off in the long run. But yeah, it has been tough.”
As of Saturday, the White Sox stand at 31-105, and their final record remains uncertain. However, there are three key factors behind their alarming trajectory towards breaking the franchise record for losses:
1. A Disastrous Post-All-Star Break Performance
The White Sox have struggled immensely since the All-Star break, winning just four of their first 38 games. At the break, the team already had 71 losses, the most in MLB history. The second half began disastrously with a 17-game losing streak, breaking the previous MLB record of 0-13 set by the 1935 Boston Braves. This streak was part of an American League record-tying 21-game skid that only ended with a 5-1 victory against the Oakland Athletics on August 6.
Since the break, the White Sox have gone 4-34, which would result in the lowest winning percentage in MLB history if the trend continues. The team entered Saturday with 41 losses in their last 46 games.
2. Struggles at Home and on the Road
The White Sox’s struggles have been consistent both at home and on the road. On May 15, Garrett Crochet delivered a strong performance, helping the team secure a 2-0 victory against the Washington Nationals. However, the Sox were 10-14 at home at that point and have since gone 8-38 at Guaranteed Rate Field, including a club-record 12-game losing streak from July 10 to August 10.
Their current home record of 18-52 (.257) is on track to be the second-lowest home win percentage in MLB history, trailing only the 1939 St. Louis Browns (18-59, .234).
3. Approaching the Franchise Loss Record
The 1970 White Sox team holds the current franchise record with 106 losses. With just one more loss, this year’s team could match that record and potentially surpass it, setting a new low for the organization.
The White Sox’s dismal season has now led to the dismissal of head coach Grady Sizemore, as the organization looks to regroup and find a way to avoid breaking this unfortunate record.
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