The White Sox endured 101 losses in 2023, 121 losses in 2024 (setting the modern record), and 102 losses in 2025. Getting even within the 90-loss range would have represented a definite step for a rebuilding team, yet the Sox defied all AL Central expectations. The South Sider’s 54-47 record puts them 1.5 games ahead of the Guardians, while Chicago’s +44 run differential is eighth-best in baseball.
The lackluster state of the American League in general has undoubtedly played a role in this surprising run, and some warning signs (namely a 23-30 road record and an 18-24 record against winning teams) indicate that this Cinderella run may hit midnight before the playoffs. Still, pundits are waiting a few weeks for the White Sox to get back to reality, but here we are on July 24th and the Sox are still the division leaders. Chicago will be in position for a first-round bye when the playoffs begin today, so because of the mediocre AL West, winning the AL Central may carry more weight than usual in October.
GM Chris Getz said as of June 2 that “We know where we are in the standings, both in the division and in the wild card, and we are monitoring it….We are more optimistic than 2026 because we want to have continuous wins here, but if there are opportunities to really add to this team, we will do that..” With the White Sox still in contention nearly two months after Getz’s comments, indications are that the Sox will indeed be buyers at some level at the August 3 deadline.
Record: 54-47 (44.3% playoff chance, per Fangraphs)
(For more entries in the Trade Deadline Outlook series, click here)
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