The White Sox endured 101 losses in 2023, 121 losses in 2024 (setting a modern record), and 102 losses in 2025. Getting even into the 90-loss range would’ve represented a step in the right direction for the rebuilding club, yet the Sox have blown away all expectations by sitting atop the AL Central. The South Siders’ 54-47 record puts them 1.5 games ahead of the Guardians, and Chicago’s +44 run differential is the 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 (i.e. a 23-30 road record and an 18-24 record against winning teams) indicate that this Cinderella run may yet strike midnight before the playoffs. Still, pundits have been waiting for weeks for the White Sox to come back to reality, but here we are on July 24 and the Sox are still division leaders. Chicago would actually be in position for a first-round bye if the playoffs began today, and so thanks to the mediocre AL West, winning the AL Central may carry more weight than usual come October.
GM Chris Getz said as far back as June 2 that “we know where we are in the standings, both within the division and wild card, and we’re monitoring it….We have higher hopes than just 2026 because we want to have a continual winner here, but if there’s chances to really add to this group, we’re going to do that.” Since the White Sox have remained competitive almost two months after Getz’s comments, indications are that the Sox will indeed be buyers at some level by the August 3 deadline.
Record: 54-47 (44.3% playoff probability, per Fangraphs)
(For more entries in the Trade Deadline Outlook series, click here)
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