White Sox clinch first postseason berth in five years, September 24

The Chicago White Sox clinched their first postseason berth in five years with a 9-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on September 24, according to MLB.com. The clinch marks the completion of a historic organizational turnaround from the franchise's worst stretch in modern history.

The White Sox endured three consecutive seasons of 100-plus losses before 2026. In 2024, the team recorded 121 losses, a modern-era record, according to MLB.com. The organization has now reached October after that historic low.

According to MLB.com, the White Sox are the first team in MLB history to make the playoffs after losing 100-plus games in at least two straight seasons. They are also the third team to reach the playoffs in a full season after losing 100 the year before, per MLB.com.

The team's roster underwent substantial change between the 2024 season and 2026. According to MLB.com, Andrew Benintendi and Miguel Vargas are the only position players from the 2024 roster still with the squad. The White Sox have hit 204 home runs as a team, per MLB.com. On the field, the team has shown stability: according to MLB.com, the White Sox have had just two four-game losing streaks all year but never won more than five in a row.

Manager Will Venable told MLB.com: "They have belief in themselves, belief in each other... That can carry you a long way." Benintendi said of the 2026 team, per MLB.com: "We are dumb enough to think we can win it. So, why not?" Catcher Edgar Quero predicted before the 2025 season, according to MLB.com, that the White Sox would be improved despite coming off 121 losses.

The White Sox first playoff appearance since winning the 2021 AL Central, per MLB.com. According to Yahoo MLB, Chicago still has a chance to claim the AL Central title over the Guardians.