Chicago White Sox Set Franchise Record with 15-Game Losing Streak
The Chicago White Sox have hit an all-time low, breaking their single-season losing streak record with 15 consecutive defeats. The team's latest loss came in a dramatic fashion against the Kansas City Royals, marking a bitter moment in the franchise's 123-year history.
The White Sox appeared poised to break their dismal streak, holding a 5-2 lead into the eighth inning. However, a late-game collapse saw the Royals rally, scoring six runs and ultimately securing an 8-5 victory. The critical blow came from Kansas City's Bobby Witt Jr., who delivered a grand slam in the ninth inning, part of his stellar 4 for 5 performance that night.
Witt Jr.'s recent form has been remarkable, with a July slash line of .468/.488/.810 and six home runs over 20 games, boosting his OPS from .897 to .988. His grand slam against the White Sox only added to his impressive résumé, further illustrating the struggles of the beleaguered Chicago team.
The current season has been one of hardship and historical lows for the White Sox. With a dismal record of 27-82, they are on pace for an astonishing 122 losses. This season's performance has eclipsed previous struggles, notably the 14-game losing streak that occurred earlier in the year from May 22 to June 6. Prior to this season, the franchise’s longest losing streak spanned two seasons, from the end of 1967 into the start of 1968.
The Baltimore Orioles hold the notorious record for the longest losing streak in recent memory, enduring 19 consecutive losses in August 2021. The Orioles also experienced two separate streaks of at least 14 losses during that season, highlighting the cyclical nature of downturns in Major League Baseball.
Adding to the off-field drama, the White Sox have been active in the trade market as the deadline approaches. Erick Fedde and Tommy Pham were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, while Michael Kopech moved to the Los Angeles Dodgers in a three-team deal. There is also speculation surrounding the future of All-Star Garrett Crochet, rumored to be on the trading block as the deadline looms at 6 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
With the franchise facing both historic defeats on the field and significant roster changes, the atmosphere surrounding the White Sox is palpably tense. As they look to the remainder of the season, the question looms: Can the White Sox find a way to stop the bleeding and rebuild for a better future, or will this season's struggles mark the beginning of a more prolonged period of hardship?