The Chicago White Sox have had a tumultuous season, marked by a 21-game losing streak that tied an American League record. With the worst record in the majors at 28-89, the White Sox made the decision to fire manager Pedro Grifol. The team’s struggles have been evident, especially given their recent losing streak and the lack of success under Grifol’s leadership.
Pedro Grifol was hired in November 2022 after Tony La Russa stepped down for health reasons. However, despite promising a sharp brand of baseball, Grifol failed to deliver as the White Sox regressed under his tutelage. The team’s performance worsened, even with a more competitive roster, finishing with an 89-190 record under Grifol’s management.
Grifol’s tenure was marked by clubhouse issues and mounting losses, leading to the dismissal of executives Kenny Williams and Rick Hahn. The White Sox made midseason and winter trades, including sending ace pitcher Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres. These moves meant the White Sox were not expected to contend for the postseason in 2024, but the extent of their struggles was unforeseen.
The White Sox’s woes this season have been significant, with a separate 14-game losing streak earlier in the year. Grifol’s criticism of the team after a loss to Baltimore showcased the frustration and challenges they faced. The team’s decline since making the playoffs in 2020 and winning the AL Central in 2021 has been drastic, leading to Grifol’s dismissal as the manager.
The White Sox have been plagued by lackluster production from key players such as Andrew Vaughn and Andrew Benintendi. Injuries to star players like Luis Robert Jr., Yoan Moncada, and Eloy Jimenez further hindered the team’s performance. Despite keeping some key players at the trade deadline, the White Sox are on track for their sixth 100-loss season.
The 2024 Chicago White Sox team is in danger of breaking the franchise’s all-time worst winning percentage record set in 1932. With a .325 winning percentage, the team’s struggles this season have highlighted the challenges they faced both on and off the field. The future remains uncertain for the White Sox as they look to rebuild and regain their competitive edge in the seasons to come.