White Sox Playoff Bound
White Sox Clinch American League Wild Card Following Remarkable Turnaround Season
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Key Points
1
Chicago set a modern MLB record with 121 losses in 2024, then improved to 102 losses in 2025 before reaching the playoffs with a winning record in 2026.
2
The White Sox had not won a playoff series since their 2005 championship season; this is only their fourth postseason berth since that title run.
3
Before Wednesday’s game, Chicago needed both a White Sox win and a Texas Rangers loss to clinch. The Mets beat Texas, but Kansas City’s victory left Chicago three games ahead of the Rangers for the final AL wild-card spot.
4
Royals catcher Salvador Perez homered in the next-day game, marking the 10th time he had reached 20 home runs in a season—a club record.
The Chicago White Sox clinched an American League wild-card berth with a dominant 9-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals, capping a stunning turnaround from baseball's darkest chapter. Salina Post reports this marks the first time any team has reached the postseason after three straight 100-loss seasons—an unprecedented leap from historic futility to October baseball.
The celebration was delayed one night after Kansas City spoiled Chicago's first chance to clinch with a 5-4 comeback win on Wednesday. Maikel Garcia drove in three runs and hit the go-ahead double in the seventh, as the Royals held the White Sox scoreless over the final innings despite Chicago rallying from a 4-0 deficit.
From 121 Losses to Playoff Baseball
The White Sox set a modern MLB record with 121 losses in 2024, then improved to 102 losses in 2025 before finally breaking through this season with a winning record. Modern Bee reports the team became the first in baseball history to reach the postseason after three consecutive 100-loss campaigns—a transformation that seemed impossible just months ago.
Chicago had not won a playoff series since capturing the 2005 World Series championship. This wild-card berth marks only the fourth postseason appearance since that title run, ending a two-decade drought of October baseball for the franchise.
Kyle Teel Powers Clinching Victory
Kyle Teel reached base five times and homered in Thursday's 9-1 clinching win, leading Chicago's offensive explosion against Kansas City. David Sandlin allowed just one run over six innings, securing the pitcher's performance during the team's crucial moment.
The victory left the White Sox one game behind Cleveland in the AL Central race, keeping the division title within reach. Chicago stayed three games ahead of the Texas Rangers for the final wild-card spot after the Mets beat Texas on Wednesday.
Royals Stay Alive But Division Hopes Fading
Kansas City's 5-4 comeback win delayed Chicago's clinch by a day but did little to alter Kansas City's postseason picture. Salvador Perez homered in the next-day loss, reaching 20 home runs for the 10th time in his career—a club record for the Royals catcher.
The Royals remain focused on their own playoff hopes, though the wild-card race tightens with each passing day. Kansas City will look to capitalize on games remaining to improve their positioning before the postseason cutoff.
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