While the Chicago Cubs represent the worst-performing baseball team in Illinois this year, the Chicago White Sox are definitely the most disappointing.

Last year, the White Sox showed incredible promise, winning 93 games and securing first place in the AL Central. After continued production from shortstop Tim Anderson and outfielder Luis Robert, along with a highly effective starting rotation featuring Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynnm and Carlos Rodon, the White Sox were a strong competitor.

While Carlos Rodon left the team in free agency, and the team traded star closer Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers, the White Sox bolstered their bullpen with relievers Kendall Graveman and Joe Kelly, while adding outfielder AJ Pollock to their depth chart.

On paper, this team filled all significant gaps prior to the season’s beginning. Surely this would ensure another first place finish in a relatively non-competitive division, right?

Entering the season, many seemed to agree.

ESPN’s preseason rankings seeded the White Sox in fourth – ahead of the Houston Astros and New York Yankees – and predicted a final record of 93-69. By these predictions, the White Sox would have won the AL Central by 12 games, over the predicted 81-81 Minnesota Twins.

After these estimations, the White Sox began the season to an underwhelming 8-12 record during the month of April. This was probably just a fluke month. Besides, anything can happen in a 162-game season!

The White Sox ended the months of May, June, and July with a record of 23-24, 35-39, and 51-50. Things were not looking good for the anticipated winner of the AL Central.

As the MLB Trade Deadline rolled around, many expected the White Sox to buy large x-factors to help a late-stretch postseason run. However, the team completed only one significant trade: acquiring reliever Jake Diekman from the Boston Red Sox for catcher Reese McGuire.

Diekman represented a veteran bullpen arm that would likely benefit the team in late-game situations, assuming they were able to maintain a lead to that point in the game. However, after the team went 13-16 in August, it was clear their season was practically over.

The White Sox ended their season on Wednesday, Oct. 5 with a 10-1 loss to the Twins. With this loss, the White Sox had a final record of 81-81 – an uncomfortably fitting finish, considering that was ESPN’s expected record for the Twins themselves.

While the team hopes to turn its sights to next season, it’s unlikely there will be much more success coming in 2023. 

The White Sox ranked 26/30 MLB farm systems in the Aug. 23 farm system rankings, with only one top 100 prospect. Essentially, unless the offseason proves fruitful, the White Sox will likely continue to underwhelm fans for the next few seasons.