The Chicago White Sox season has gone from bad to worse following last night’s 14-2 drubbing at the hands of the Boston Red Sox. Last night’s loss was Chicago’s 14th consecutive defeat, setting a new franchise record for consecutive losses in a season. The previous record of 13 straight losses belonged to the 1924 White Sox, a full century ago.
This new level of futility comes amid a nightmarish season for the White Sox, who are now 15-48 and have the league’s worst record. They also have the league’s worst run differential at -152. They are currently on pace to lose 123 games, which would be a modern MLB record.
With tonight’s loss by the White Sox, their 14-game losing streak is now the longest single season losing streak in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/0kpzQy9dvB
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) June 7, 2024
Chicago White Sox Haven’t Won in Over Two Weeks
Chicago’s last win came May 21 against the Toronto Blue Jays, nearly two and a half weeks ago. During the 14-game skid, the White Sox have a league-worst 6.99 team ERA. They also lead the league with six blown saves from May 22 until now. To further highlight the team’s pitching woes, they lead MLB in blown saves on the season with a whopping 15. They also have the second-worst ERA in MLB this season at 5.09.
The White Sox have been abhorrent offensively as well. They rank last in MLB in batting average, home runs, hits, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS. It has been a mess across the board, and many are wondering when manager Pedro Grifol will get the axe. Grifol is in his second year managing the White Sox, finishing 61-101 in 2023.
Injuries have been a problem for Chicago, as oft-injured slugger Eloy Jimenez has played just 36 of 63 games so far this season. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has been missed the most, playing in just 10 games so far. Third baseman Yoan Moncada has also been mainly absent, appearing in just 11 games to date.
It’s stunning to think that just three seasons ago the White Sox finished 93-69 and went to the playoffs. The nosedive that this franchise has taken while supposedly in their window of opportunity is hard to fathom. This is a season that has the potential to be a record-setting one in the worst ways possible for Chicago. We’re talking about futility of historic measures if things don’t improve. And there is no sign of improvement. Up against a 14th consecutive loss that would set a franchise record, the White Sox looked uninspired as they were hammered 14-2 last night.
Grifol Has Lost the Locker Room
Following the loss, cameras caught Luis Robert Jr. in the dugout shaking his head. His facial expression screamed “trade me NOW.” It’s evident Grifol doesn’t have the locker room. Looking at the schedule, things don’t get easier for the White Sox. The MLB record for consecutive losses in a season is 23 by the 1961 Phillies. The White Sox will play three more games against Boston before heading west to play four games against the Seattle Mariners. If they can’t win a game in this stretch, they’ll be heading to Arizona to play the Diamondbacks just two losses shy of the MLB record of 23.
This is worst-case thinking, but 2024 has been worst-case at every turn for the White Sox. For fans, it is hard to stay invested during a season like this one. With more than half the season still to play, Chicago must make progress somewhere. Whether that be trading a star like Robert Jr. for a big return, developing young prospects, or making a coaching change, something has to be done to build toward a future. The biggest priority now, though, has to be stopping the skid; Staying out of the record books.
