Chicago White Sox: A Season to Forget
2024 Record: 41-121
Fifth Place, AL Central
Team ERA: 4.68 (28th in MLB)
Team OPS: .618 (30th in MLB)
The 2024 season for the Chicago White Sox was one for the record books, but not in a way that fans would want to remember. With a dismal 41-121 record, the White Sox found themselves at the bottom of the AL Central, struggling in nearly every aspect of the game. As the dust settles on this catastrophic season, let’s take a closer look at what went right, what went wrong, and what the future might hold for this beleaguered franchise.
What Went Right
In a season filled with disappointment, it’s remarkable to find a silver lining, but the White Sox managed to unearth a couple of bright spots. Garrett Crochet emerged as a promising starter, showcasing his ability to adjust to a new role. Despite some off-field controversies, Crochet proved to be one of the best bat-missers in baseball, hinting at a bright future if he continues to develop his skills on the mound.
Another positive note came from Erick Fedde, who performed admirably before being traded to St. Louis. The White Sox received young talents Miguel Vargas and Alexander Albertus in return, both of whom could become integral parts of the team’s future. While the overall performance of the team was abysmal, these individual successes provided a glimmer of hope for fans.
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of this season will be the sheer magnitude of the White Sox’s struggles. Setting a modern loss record is no small feat, and while it may not be the legacy the franchise hoped for, it will certainly be a talking point for years to come.
What Went Wrong
The list of issues plaguing the White Sox in 2024 is extensive. Expectations were low, as even the team’s general manager acknowledged the uphill battle ahead. However, no one could have predicted the depths to which the team would sink. The White Sox endured a 20-game losing streak and finished the season with a staggering -306 run differential, one of the worst marks since 1950.
Managerial changes did little to stem the tide of losses. Pedro Grifol was fired with a 28-89 record, and interim manager Grady Sizemore didn’t fare much better, finishing at 13-32. The team’s struggles were compounded by injuries to key players like Luis Robert Jr., who, despite leading the team in bWAR, posted a disappointing .657 OPS when healthy. The starting rotation, aside from Crochet and Fedde, was largely ineffective, and the bullpen’s inability to close out games—blowing 37 saves in 58 chances—sealed the team’s fate.
Fantasy Slants
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Luis Robert Jr.: After a breakout 2023 season, Robert’s 2024 was a stark contrast. Limited by injuries and a concerning decline in performance, he hit just .226/.260/.301 in the latter part of the season. His struggles raise red flags for fantasy managers looking to invest in him for 2025.
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Colson Montgomery: Once a highly-touted prospect, Montgomery’s 2024 season was disappointing. With a .214 batting average and 164 strikeouts in 485 at-bats, he has become more of a "hope it works out" player than a reliable fantasy option. However, his youth offers a glimmer of hope for future improvement.
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Andrew Vaughn: Vaughn’s inconsistency was on full display this season, with monthly OPS figures ranging from .497 to .933. While he possesses the talent to be a solid fantasy option, his volatile performance makes him a risky pick heading into 2025.
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Drew Thorpe: Acquired in the Dylan Cease trade, Thorpe showed flashes of potential despite a 5.48 ERA. His elite changeup could make him a valuable asset if he can refine his other pitches and stay healthy.
- Closer Situation: The White Sox struggled to find a reliable closer, with Michael Kopech leading the team with just nine saves before being traded. Prelander Berroa, acquired in a separate deal, could emerge as a candidate for the closer role in 2025, but the team’s overall struggles make any closer a risky fantasy investment.
Key Free Agents
As the offseason approaches, the White Sox face critical decisions regarding their roster. Key free agents include:
- Yoan Moncada: $25 million club option
- Max Stassi: $7.5 million club option
- Mike Clevinger
- Dominic Leone
- Michael Soroka
Team Needs
The White Sox are in a rebuilding phase, and patience will be essential as they navigate the aftermath of this disastrous season. With most of their prospects still a few years away from making an impact, the team will likely focus on adding mid-rotation arms and bullpen depth to eat innings in 2025. They have the opportunity to upgrade nearly every position, except for first base and center field, but significant changes will be necessary to avoid another season of historic losses.
As the White Sox look to the future, their path forward will require careful planning and execution. The road to recovery may be long and arduous, but with the right moves, there is hope for a brighter tomorrow.