Chicago White Sox: A Historically Bad Season Unfolds

Final Thoughts

While there’s always a chance the White Sox could turn things around, the odds are slim. If they won every remaining game, they’d still finish 74-88 (.456). However, given their current trajectory, the 2024 Chicago White Sox could go down as one of the most historically bad teams in MLB history.

Breaking the Losing Streak Record

The White Sox recently ended a 21-game losing streak, tying the longest in American League history. Their last victory before this was on July 10. The only team with a worse losing streak is the 1961 Philadelphia Phillies, who lost 23 consecutive games.

Current Season Record

As of now, the White Sox are 28-88, translating to a .241 winning percentage. They are on pace to lose 100 games, possibly even before the end of August.

Recent Wins and Losses

The White Sox managed to break their 21-game losing streak with a win in Oakland. This victory prevented them from setting the AL record for the longest losing streak by a single team. However, they share the top spot with the 1988 Baltimore Orioles for the longest losing streak in AL history.

Longest Losing Streaks in MLB History

Here are the longest losing streaks in Major League Baseball history:

1. 1961 Philadelphia Phillies - 23 straight losses
2. 1988 Baltimore Orioles - 21 straight losses
3. 2024 Chicago White Sox - 21 straight losses
4. 1969 Montreal Expos - 20 straight losses
5. 1943 Philadelphia Athletics - 20 straight losses
6. 1916 Philadelphia Athletics - 20 straight losses
7. 1906 Boston Americans - 20 straight losses
8. 2021 Orioles - 19 straight losses
9. 2005 Royals - 19 straight losses
10. 1975 Tigers - 19 straight losses
11. 1914 Reds - 19 straight losses
12. 1906 Boston Beaneaters - 19 straight losses

Examining the White Sox's Historic Losing Pace

The White Sox's struggles extend beyond losing streaks. They had the worst start in the franchise’s 124-year history, going 3-22 by April 25. They have gone on losing streaks of 4 or more games eight times this year and have been held to one run or none 32 times.

Offensive Struggles

The White Sox's offense has been historically bad. After a recent game, every hitter on the roster had an OPS under .700. The team hasn't won double-digit games in a month yet this season and has lost 20 or more games in a month twice.

Monthly Win Totals for the White Sox

Here’s a breakdown of the White Sox's monthly performance:

• March: 0-3 (.000)
• April: 6-21 (.222)
• May: 9-19 (.321)
• June: 9-19 (.321)
• July: 3-22 (.120)
• August: 1-4 (.200)

Could the White Sox Be the Worst MLB Team Ever?

The White Sox are on pace to finish 38-124 (.235), which would be the most losses in a season in the modern era, second only to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who went 20-134. If the White Sox continue at this rate, they would become one of the few teams to win fewer than 1/4 of their games, joining the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1962 New York Mets.

Final Thoughts

While there’s always a chance the White Sox could turn things around, the odds are slim. If they won every remaining game, they’d still finish 74-88 (.456). However, given their current trajectory, the 2024 Chicago White Sox could go down as one of the most historically bad teams in MLB history.