How White Sox have proved their legitimacy this season

Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami. Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

How White Sox have proved their legitimacy this season

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated May 18, 2026 2:29 PM ET

Don't look now, but the Chicago White Sox have demonstrated their legitimacy this season. They are currently two games over .500 (24-22) and in second place in the AL Central.

They haven't been two games over .500 since Sept. 22, 2022. They haven't held a record of .500 since 2022 as well, when they were 81-81.

While it's still early in the season, they are holding onto the second AL wild-card spot. The AL has struggled with a .468 winning percentage this season.

The White Sox have utilized this to their advantage. But despite this, their success has also stemmed from winning consecutive series as the team has transformed its past adversities. It set a franchise record for the most losses (121) in 2024 and had a 21-game losing streak.

The Chicago White Sox are LEGIT.

In the last 30 days - their offense ranks:

1st in OPS (.823)
1st in Home Runs (48)
1st in RBIs (140)
1st in OBP (.350)
1st in SLG (.473)
2nd in Batting Average (.261) pic.twitter.com/B3EnfNupb2
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) May 17, 2026

Making the case for the White Sox's legitimacy

Undoubtedly, the White Sox have shown how they are capable of beating teams outside of the AL. They own a winning record against NL teams at 9-7.

In their most recent action, they beat their crosstown rivals and NL Central-leading Chicago Cubs in a wild comeback victory in extra innings on Sunday. A series win against the Cubs deserves bragging rights, but it also highlights the White Sox's prosperity against elite teams.

The White Sox have several players who have contributed to their success, including the acquisition of Japanese rookie sensation Munetaka Murakami, who made history with his home run power in March this season.

But the White Sox have also triumphed with Miguel Vargas, who continues to be a high-impact player offensively. The underrated Davis Martin has also been a bright spot in the White Sox's rotation with a 6-1 record, 1.61 ERA and stellar 0.98 WHIP.

Martin pitched against the Cubs on Saturday, picking up his sixth win of the season. The 29-year-old went six innings, recording seven strikeouts, and gave up one earned run (home run).

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

More must-reads: