Chicago White Sox Set New MLB Record for Most Losses in a Single Season

The Chicago White Sox have made unwanted history by suffering their 121st defeat of the 2024 season, losing 4-1 to the Detroit Tigers and setting the record for the most losses in a single season in Major League Baseball’s modern era (since 1901).

The Tigers opened the scoring in the fifth inning, establishing a 2-0 lead. Chicago outfielder Zach DeLoach then hit his first career home run in the sixth, narrowing the deficit to one run. However, the Tigers responded in the seventh inning, ultimately clinching the win and securing their first playoff berth since 2014. This loss now places the Los Angeles Angels as the team with the longest active playoff drought in the league.

Previously, the New York Mets held the modern record for losses, finishing their 1962 season with 120 defeats. The overall record for most losses belongs to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who ended their season with a staggering 20-134 record, winning just one of their last 41 games.

The White Sox’s disappointing season was evident early on, as they managed only three wins in their first 25 games. The team later endured a 14-game losing streak and a 21-game skid, tying the American League record set by the 1998 Baltimore Orioles.

Infielder Nicky Lopez, a lifelong White Sox fan, reflected on the season, stating, “It obviously sucks. I’m going to be, we are all going to be attached to it. But also, we are going to move on and whether I’m here next year or somewhere else, it quickly turns to that.”

With just 39 wins this season, the White Sox’s performance has prompted their social media team to adopt a humorous approach in the face of adversity. After a recent loss to the San Diego Padres, the team posted a sarcastic update stating: “FINAL: can be found on the MLB app.” Following Friday’s record-setting loss, they shared a screenshot featuring the final score alongside a meme of their mascot, Southpaw, and a list of activities they would rather do than read comments about the game.

Despite a recent sweep of the Angels, the White Sox’s struggles may continue, as they have two more games against the Tigers before the season concludes.