The 2024 White Sox: On the Brink of Infamy
As the 2024 MLB season draws to a close, the Chicago White Sox find themselves teetering on the edge of baseball history — but not the kind that any team would want to claim. With a record of 36-120 as of September 23, the White Sox are just one loss away from setting the record for the most losses in a single season during the modern era of Major League Baseball.
A Season of Low Expectations
Entering the 2024 season, the White Sox were not expected to be contenders for a playoff spot. However, the level of poor performance they have exhibited has surpassed even the most pessimistic forecasts. The team has struggled in nearly every facet of the game, leading to a season that has become a case study in how not to play baseball.
Offensive Woes
The White Sox’s offensive struggles have been particularly glaring. With a team slash line of .220/.278/.339, they rank dead last in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage among all 30 MLB clubs. The inability to hit for power has been a significant issue, as they sit at the bottom of the league in home runs. Moreover, the team has failed to bring runners home, ranking last in RBIs and trailing the 29th-ranked team by nearly 100 RBIs. This lack of offensive production has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads, wondering how a team can be so consistently inept at the plate.
Pitching Problems
If the offense has been dismal, the pitching staff has not fared much better. The White Sox’s starting rotation has been inconsistent, posting a team ERA of 4.77, which ranks 28th in the league. Their WHIP of 1.44 places them 29th, indicating that they have struggled to keep runners off the bases. The bullpen has been even worse, with a staggering 35 blown saves and a league-worst save percentage of just 35%. This combination of poor pitching and an anemic offense has created a perfect storm of failure, leading to a season that fans would rather forget.
The Countdown to History
As the White Sox approach the end of the season, the question looms: how close are they to making history for all the wrong reasons? The team has six games left, starting with a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels before wrapping up the season in Detroit against the Tigers. To avoid setting the record for the most losses in a single season, the White Sox would need to win all six games — a feat that seems nearly impossible given their performance thus far. Their longest winning streak this season was just four games, which occurred in early May.
The Record Books
When discussing the worst seasons in MLB history, it’s essential to differentiate between the late 1800s and the modern era. The Cleveland Spiders hold the overall record for most losses in a season, finishing 20-134 in 1899. However, in the modern era, the White Sox are poised to surpass the 1962 New York Mets, who recorded 120 losses. As of now, the White Sox are tied with the Mets, and with just a few games left, they are on the brink of infamy.
Historical Context of Losses
The 2024 White Sox are on track to become the worst team in MLB history in the modern era. Here’s a look at the teams that currently hold the record for most losses:
- 1962 New York Mets: 40-120 (.250)
- 2003 Detroit Tigers: 43-119 (.265)
- 1916 Philadelphia Athletics: 36-117 (.235)
- 1935 Boston Braves: 38-115 (.248)
The White Sox have already surpassed the 2003 Tigers for the most losses in a 162-game season, and they are just one loss away from tying the Mets.
The 1962 Mets: A Cautionary Tale
The Mets’ 1962 season is often cited as one of the worst in baseball history. As a new franchise, they struggled to find their footing, acquiring a roster through the expansion draft that was ill-equipped for the rigors of Major League Baseball. They finished with the worst team batting average, ERA, and fielding percentage, setting a standard for futility that the White Sox are now in danger of eclipsing.
The 2003 Tigers: A Modern Comparison
The 2003 Detroit Tigers, who recorded 119 losses, serve as a modern comparison for the White Sox. Managed by Alan Trammell, the Tigers were a mix of aging veterans and unprepared prospects, leading to a disastrous season. The White Sox have similarly struggled with a roster that has failed to gel, resulting in a season that will likely be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
The 1916 Philadelphia Athletics and Other Notable Teams
Before the Mets set the record for most losses, the 1916 Philadelphia Athletics held that dubious honor with 117 losses. This was particularly shocking given that the Athletics had won the World Series just three years prior. The team’s decline was attributed to a lack of investment from ownership, leading to a rapid fall from grace.
The 1935 Boston Braves, featuring a past-his-prime Babe Ruth, also make the list of historically poor teams. Despite the star power, the Braves struggled mightily, demonstrating that even the most celebrated players cannot guarantee success.
The Quest for the Worst
As the 2024 season winds down, the Chicago White Sox are not just playing for pride; they are on the verge of cementing their place in the annals of baseball history as one of the worst teams ever. With each passing game, the stakes grow higher, and the possibility of infamy looms large. Whether they can pull off a miraculous turnaround or succumb to the weight of their own failures remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this season will not be forgotten anytime soon.