White Sox Set Franchise Record with 15-Game Losing Streak
The Chicago White Sox have etched their names in the annals of baseball history, but not for reasons they would have hoped for. With their latest defeat against the Kansas City Royals, the White Sox extended their single-season losing streak to a staggering 15 consecutive games, setting a new franchise record.
The game against the Royals appeared to be within the White Sox's grasp. Leading 5-2 in the eighth inning, the team seemed poised to snap their losing skid. However, a late rally by the Royals shattered those hopes. Kansas City stormed back to score six runs, leaving the White Sox stunned. Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the crushing blow with a grand slam in the ninth inning, sealing an 8-5 victory for the Royals.
This loss is a microcosm of a troubled season for the White Sox, whose current record stands at a dismal 27-82. The team's struggles have not only resulted in numerous defeats but have also put them on pace for a staggering 122 losses this season. It's a period of hardship that White Sox fans, as well as the franchise, will want to forget quickly.
Historically, the White Sox have had their share of tough times, but this season undoubtedly holds special significance. The previous longest single-season losing streak for the franchise was 14 games, a record that spanned two separate periods from May 22 to June 6. The only longer streak in White Sox history occurred over two seasons—from the end of 1967 to the beginning of 1968.
The broader context of MLB history also highlights the magnitude of this slump. The most recent comparable streak was suffered by the Baltimore Orioles, who endured a 19-game losing run in August 2021. The Orioles had not one but two separate losing streaks of at least 14 games in that dismal season.
Bobby Witt Jr. has been one of the standout performers in recent times. His stats in July, including a .468/.488/.810 slash line and six home runs over 20 games, make for impressive reading. Witt Jr. continued his form with a 4 for 5 performance against the White Sox, with his OPS surging from .897 to .988 over the month. His grand slam highlighted his immense talent and proved to be a pivotal moment in extending the White Sox’s misery.
The trade activity around the White Sox has added another layer to an already complicated season. The team has traded away key players such as Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham to the St. Louis Cardinals, as well as Michael Kopech to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team deal. Further rumors speculate that All-Star Garrett Crochet could be on the trading block before the deadline hits at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
For the White Sox, this season has been a tumultuous journey filled with losses and difficult decisions. As the team continues to navigate through this historic slump, fans and analysts alike are left pondering what lies ahead for this storied franchise.