The Chicago White Sox endured a season so dismal that the team’s owner felt compelled to apologize to fans.
On Sunday, the White Sox played their final game of the 2024 regular season, securing a 9-5 victory over the Detroit Tigers, a team headed to the playoffs. Despite this win, the White Sox finished with a staggering 41-121 record, marking the most losses by any team in the modern era. Only the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, with 134 losses, had a worse season.
In response to the disastrous season, team owner Jerry Reinsdorf published an open letter on Sunday, directly addressing the fans. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and outlined the steps the organization plans to take to become competitive again:
To White Sox Fans,
By every measure, our performance on the field this season was a failure, and as the leader of this organization, I take full responsibility. There are no excuses.
I want to express my gratitude for your continued support during what was an embarrassing season. You deserved much better. This level of performance was unacceptable, and your reactions and frustrations are fully justified.
We are committed to addressing these failures and making the necessary changes for 2025 and beyond. This involves further developing our current players, enhancing our farm system, and exploring the trade and free agent markets to strengthen our roster. We are also bringing in new leadership for our analytics department to refine and improve every aspect of our operations, all with the goal of returning to championship contention.
In fact, these changes have already begun. After being named general manager in 2023, Chris Getz and his team have started a comprehensive evaluation of our baseball operations. He is restructuring the foundation, and we’ve seen key personnel changes in player development, international scouting, professional scouting, and analytics. While some results may be seen quickly, others will take time to manifest at the major-league level.
One of the most crucial decisions we face in the coming months is selecting a new manager to lead this team. Chris is actively searching for the right candidate, focusing on the qualities and leadership attributes that will drive our clubhouse forward.
Even in such a difficult season, there were moments of hope for the future. Our organization is improving, as reflected in our minor league success. The Class AA Birmingham Barons won the Southern League championship, and Class A Kannapolis reached the Carolina League finals. We have a talented group of prospects, which provides optimism for the years ahead.
I know words alone won’t satisfy our fans—we need to back them up with action. I assure you that everyone associated with the White Sox is committed to returning this team to the level of success we all expect.
Above all, I am a fan—of baseball, of Chicago, and of the White Sox. Every loss, every blown save, every defensive error, every shutout—it hurt. This season was long and painful for all of us. We understand the responsibility we have to earn your trust and support again, and we are dedicated to putting in the necessary work this offseason to make things right.
We owe it to each and every one of you.
Jerry Reinsdorf
Despite the historically poor performance, Reinsdorf’s letter reflects a commitment to rebuilding and optimism for the future of the White Sox organization. Fans now await to see if the changes will translate into success on the field in the coming seasons.
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