Chicago White Sox: surprisingly positive 2026 season will soon be put to a tough test

Imagn Images

Chicago White Sox: surprisingly positive 2026 season will soon be put to a tough test

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Jun 4, 2026 4:21 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox salvaged the series finale against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, avoiding the sweep. They are now 33-29 on the season and have won seven of their last ten games. Indeed, the White Sox have been one of the biggest surprises in Major League Baseball this season, competing in a year no one expected them to.

Currently, Chicago has the fourth-best record in the American League, and is one of just five AL teams with a winning record. They are just 2.5 games back of the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the AL Central, and would be in the postseason as a Wild Card if the season ended today.

The Chicago White Sox face a gauntlet coming up in June

May 24, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Miguel Vargas (20) hits a one run home run near San Francisco Giants catcher Daniel Susac (6) and home plate umpire Chris Guccione (68) during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images

Recently, ESPN released their weekly MLB power rankings. After being ranked just 18th last week, the White Sox shot up to 13th this time around. However, there is a caution in their explanation:

“Coming off one of the most successful months the White Sox have had in years, things are looking up on the South Side. Chicago’s 18-10 mark gave it the third-best May winning percentage in MLB, as it ranked fifth in run differential. The White Sox dominated at Rate Field, going 13-3 and averaging six runs per contest. As the season bends toward summer, they face a brutal stretch of their schedule in the coming weeks.

“After three games at Minnesota, the White Sox visit the Phillies, return home for back-to-back series against the Braves and Dodgers, then head out for three games at Yankee Stadium. Are the White Sox for real? Chances are we’ll know the answer to that three weeks from now.”

The Phillies are 32-29 on the season and boast some stellar starting pitching. For Chicago, the key to winning will be to keep Philadelphia’s bats quiet. Their 236 runs scored this season are the second-fewest in Major League Baseball.

The Braves and Dodgers are the two best teams in MLB, record wise. How the White Sox play on that six-game home stand will tell a great deal about how much of their early hype is for real.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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