The Chicago White Sox have officially been eliminated from the 2024 MLB playoffs. While this may not come as a surprise to avid baseball fans, it is now a confirmed reality.
The White Sox’s postseason hopes were dashed on Saturday following a 6-1 defeat to the Houston Astros, dropping their record to a league-worst 30-94. They now find themselves a staggering 38.5 games behind the third wild-card position with only 38 games remaining.
Comparatively, the next lowest team in the AL standings, the Oakland Athletics, sits at 53-70, a considerable 23.5 games ahead of Chicago.
Being eliminated from playoff contention on August 17 may seem early, and that’s because it is. This marks the earliest a team has been eliminated from playoff contention since the inception of MLB’s divisional era in 1969. The previous record was held by the 2018 Baltimore Orioles, who were ousted on August 20 and concluded the season with a 47-115 record.
The 2024 White Sox season has been one for the history books, and not in a positive way. They have already tied the American League record for consecutive losses at 21 and are on track to potentially match the 1962 New York Mets for the most losses in MLB history if they don’t secure 11 more wins.
Undoubtedly, the White Sox’s struggles on the field have been evident throughout the season, exacerbated by their decision to sell key players at the trade deadline. However, on a slightly brighter note, fans can expect more affordable ticket prices next season.