Just two years after setting the record for the most losses ever in an MLB season, the White Sox made it to October baseball.
Although the Sox did eventually lose to the Cleveland Guardians, who went 3-2 in the divisional series, the future of the Sox looks bright.
The turnaround by the White Sox was a combination of free agent signings and rookies stepping up to the plate. Japanese star Munetaka Murakami was signed to a two-year $30 million contract, and Tristian Peters made the American League all-star team as a rookie.
Still, the White Sox found the most success this season by using each other. OH senior and White Sox fan John Capron said, “it… was mostly a team effort.”
Compared to the last few seasons, the White Sox had great team chemistry. This was a key component to them making the postseason.
They also had nine players with a WAR, or Wins Above Replacement, of 2.0 or higher, meaning everyone on the team contributed to their success.
Even Cubs fans have found it hard not to root for the Southside following the end of their season. OH sophomore and Cubs fan, Edward Jordan, said “It’s exciting to watch [and] see them do so [well].”
The Cubs also made it to the postseason as a wild card team. They lost their Wild Card series 2-0 against the Padres. Instead of turning against their Chicago rival, some Cubs fans have taken to rooting for the Sox and seeing just how fast they can turn their organization around.
The Sox may have been one of the weakest MLB teams over the past few years, but still, their success is not likely to be short-lived. OH senior Brett Strysik said “They’re [a] young… team [with] a lot of potential.”
The White Sox are the sixth youngest team in the MLB. Meaning that most of their core is still developing and improving, even as they made the playoffs this year. Rookies such as Tristan Peters, Sam Antonacci, and Chase Meidroth remain under team control until 2032. All signs of future Sox wins.
As the Sox look ahead to the 2027 season, Capron said, “Every year we’re in the World Series now.”
It may have been ahead of their timeline this year, but the Sox are poised to be a great baseball team for years to come. For now, OH Sox fans look forward to seeing how their team can continue to prove expectations wrong.
Hi! My name is Ben Herrera and I'm a Senior at Oswego High School. This is my first year on the 42Fifty staff, and I'm currently a Reporter. Additionally, I am involved with Oswego High School's cross country and track teams, as well as multiple honor societies. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
