The crack of the bat fills an anxious Rate Field. Edgar Quero sends one deep in the 10th inning of the crosstown classic. Fans erupt, as the ballpark roars in celebration. The White Sox win a series over the Cubs for the first time since 2023. For the past few years the Cubs had the only winning record in Chicago baseball, while the White Sox were historically bad. Before the 2026 season, ESPN reporter Bradford Doolittle gave the White a Sox a 0% chance to make it to the playoffs. But now, after the 2026 season, the White Sox proved they deserve more recognition in the baseball world, finishing just one win away from the championship series.
In 2024 not only did the White Sox have the most losses in modern MLB history, their farm system only had two top 100 prospects according to MLB.com. Since then, they have completely overhauled their roster, keeping just 12 players from their 2024 team.
The White Sox have completed a series of large trades to get to where they are today, none more important than the blockbuster trade that sent Garrett Crochet to the Red Sox. On Dec. 11, 2024, the Red Sox announced they would be trading Crochet to the White Sox in exchange for minor league prospects Kyle Teel, Chase Meidroth and Braden Montgomery who have all turned into integral parts of the lineup. In addition, the Sox traded for Tristan Peters and Miguel Vargas, both players who had major flaws coming into their White Sox tenure, but have blossomed into all-stars. Additionally, they signed an overlooked Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami, who went on to hit over 30 home runs in his rookie season.
Many have attributed this turnaround as a miracle and it seems nothing short of that. In fact, according to the Today Show, Pope Leo XIV sent the White Sox a letter granting “abundant blessings.” Alongside an incredibly fun and energetic team, the White Sox have the blessing from God on their side. The Sox have taken this good fortune and run with it, selling Pope hats, shirts and even promoting a “Pope Night” during the season.
In addition, this White Sox team has a winning culture created by manager Will Venable who was hired in 2025. “A specific culture was set by Venable during the 2025 season, playing hard, playing for each other, with a narrow focus.” MLB Reporter Scott Merkin wrote in an MLB.com article. The culture that Venable created has worked. Since Venable joined the team, the White Sox have improved by at least 19 wins each year.
Another integral part to the team’s culture was relief pitcher Mike Vasil. After having Tommy John surgery in April, Vasil stayed in the clubhouse and became as essential a part to the team as anyone. “He brings together so many types of players with his energy and he’s consistent every night,” White Sox pitcher Davis Martin said in an interview. The energy Vasil brings to the dugout and to the team is contagious, and he’s part of what makes this team so entertaining. Meanwhile, the team isn’t just winning games, but having fun while doing it.
People will argue that the White Sox choked by losing their last three games or that they had an easy division, but in reality this team skyrocketed past expectations. From their preseason projections to now, there is no doubt that the White Sox have turned around their organization. This run restored hope to White Sox fans and gave them a reason to be proud of their team. Lifelong White Sox fan Simon Taylor, a Jones sophomore, said “this team has been the most fun I’ve ever had watching baseball.” Between the 12 walk-offs and the 4-0 playoff start, this season not only gave fans something to be proud of, but something to look forward to in the future.
The White Sox may not have won the World Series, but this team gave fans something to look forward to. Whether it’s the Pope, the culture or just smart coaching and hard-working players, this season proved that the White Sox deserve more recognition in the mind of Chicago baseball fans.
